Sushil for trials ahead of Rio

Narsingh Yadav might be staking his claim to represent India at the Olympics, having clinched a berth in men’s 74kg freestyle, but double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar said on Tuesday  that all he is asking for is trails to chose the best wrestler for the Rio Games.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is yet to take a call on whether to hold the trials in men’s 74kg freestyle category between veteran Sushil and Narsingh.

“All I am asking for is trails. I am not saying that you send me to Rio because of my glorious past. I am only saying that whoever between me and Narsingh is better, should represent the country at Olympics. Since a quota belongs to the country and not to a particular individual, thus, when there are two good contenders, there must be a fair trial. There is a procedure that should be followed,” Sushil told PTI.

“Even the reigning world and Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs had to undergo trials to make it to the US team for the Rio Games. It happens everywhere,” he added. With WFI yet to decide on holding the trails, a lot of speculations are doing the rounds.

“The Sports Authority of India and government have spent a lot of money on my preparation and it is only just that I am given an opportunity to prove that I have utilised every bit of that,” Sushil insisted.

Bronze medallist at 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver winner at London Games four year later, Sushil said his job was to prepare himself well for the Rio Games and not think about trails.

“I have been at three Olympics already and won medal twice. My only aim is to win another medal for India.” Narsingh had secured the Olympic quota place for India last year at the World Championship in Las Vegas after winning a bronze medal in 74kg. Since then the Maharashtra grappler has been staking his claim for the berth.

Currently training in Sonepat, Sushil said he had a fruitful stint in Georgia recently and is continuing to train at Sonepat.