A marathon meeting on Wednesday failed to break the deadlock between the Wrestling Federation of India and Sushil Kumar, as the ace wrestler stuck to his guns in seeking a trial bout against Narsingh Yadav to represent India in the 74kg freestyle category at the Rio Olympics this August.
The WFI stood by Narsingh, who earned a quota berth for the country at the World Champion-ships in Las Vegas last year, as their preferred choice to compete in Rio.
A WFI selection committee heard Sushil’s plea on the day, following instructions of the Delhi high court which had asked the federation to sort out the selection row.
The WFI need to file their written submission on Monday in the court, who will hear the case again on May 27.
Speaking to this newspaper, WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the meeting was positive, as “we heard Sushil and also put our point. Sushil has been insisting on just one thing that he should be given a chance — a trial. We are not against any wrestler. We have told him that you have brought a lot of laurels to Indian wrestling and we can’t ignore your contribution but we can’t neglect the fact that Narsingh is in consistent form and cannot be unfair to him. We can’t tell him not to prepare for Rio and rather fight a trial bout.”
Brij Bhushan however added: “Sushil will not be allowed in Rio preparatory camp until next HC hearing.”
Sushil said he had a “cordial discussion” with the federation and hoped that his plea would be taken into account. “I have no grudge against the federation. I’ve put my point across, they will decide what is to be done next.
“Narsingh is like my brother. Unfortunately, the situation is such that I have to fight for a trial against him,” he added.
Sushil’s father-in-law and coach Satpal Singh, who also attended the meeting, maintained that “trial bout should be conducted.”
“It’s about the country at Olympics, and the best athlete should represent India. Sushil has overcome his injuries and is in good form,” he said.
