Delhi High Court Dismisses Wrestler Sushil Kumar’s Plea for Trials, Rio Beckons Narsingh

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed wrestler Sushil Kumar’s plea to hold trial with Narsingh Yadav to decide who represents India in the 74-kg division freestyle wrestling at the Rio Olympics in August.

The court observed that trials so close to the Olympics can disturb an athlete mentally and there is also risk of an injury. The order effectively gives the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) a green signal to select Narsingh for the Games.

However, Sushil has the option of knocking at the Supreme Court’s door.

By virtue of winning the 74-kg quota with a bronze at the world championships last year, Narsingh opposed holding any trials since traditionally always the wrestler who won the quota has gone on to represent India at the Olympics.

But Sushil, who had upgraded himself to the 74-kg division, reckoned that a trial is the most justified way to proceed; however, he hasn’t competed in the category since winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which is what went against him.

After WFI left the matter to government’s intervention, Sushil decided to take legal help.

Sushil Kumar has won two Olympic medals – bronze in 2008 and silver in 2012 – but both came in the 66-kg weight category.

The Rio Olympics begin on August 5.

Bureau Report