Sushil’s Rio fate likely to be decided on Tuesday

he next act in the story involving Narsingh Pancham Yadav and Sushil Kumar will play out on Tuesday when the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will decide on the two-time Olympic medallist’s request to hold trials.

Published on: May 13, 2016, 22:46:36 IST

By Anonymous, New Delhi

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The next act in the story involving Narsingh Pancham Yadav and Sushil Kumar will play out on Tuesday when the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will decide on the two-time Olympic medallist’s request to hold trials.

Wrestler Sushil Kumar is eager to represent India at the Rio Olympics later this year and is pressing for trials in the 74kg weight category against Narsingh Yadav. (Getty Images)

It is understood that the federation will pass on Sushil’s request to its selection committee for a final call on the matter. The committee is headed by WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, secretary general VN Parsood, chief coach of the freestyle team Jagmender Singh, former Olympian Jay Prakash and Arjuna awardee Pappu Yadav.

When the committee meets, its first task would be to seek a report from the chief coach. Sushil’s fate is likely to be sealed as it is being claimed that he hasn’t trained under Jagmender.

Meanwhile, Sushil has written two letters in this regard. A separate one has been mailed to the Prime Minister’s Office that seeks an appointment with Narendra Modi to seek his blessings for the Olympic journey.

Sushil has written to sports minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, WFI and SAI director general, Injeti Srinivas, requesting for trials to be held in the 74kg weight division, in which Narsingh had bagged the quota.

Online support

Meanwhile, a video by the three-time Olympian went online. “I want the blessings from all of you in my quest to go to the Olympics. Please support my demand for trials,” said Sushil in the video posted on Facebook and Twitter.

On Friday morning, he had tagged the federation, Prime Minister Modi, the sports minister and questioned the WFI’s stance of not holding trials as it was a tradition. A few from the entertainment industry, including actor Riteish Deshmukh and reality star Rannvijay Singha, too tweeted in support of Sushil.

‏@RannvijaySingha My support is for you brother @WrestlerSushil !!! Like you I also want the best man to represent India! #fairtrial

@Riteishd: Am shocked that @WrestlerSushil is not representing India @ the #RioOlympics2016 - Hope he gets a fair chance.

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