With the Rio Olympics 2016 round the corner, it is time to predict who will likely bring India a medal in August.
After all, how much can possibly change in such a short span of time? All the World Championships, Olympic qualifying tournaments are complete.
We know which athletes have proven themselves over the last four years. We know who all have been on the rise and can finish on the podium. We know those who have suffered major injuries or retired. We should easily be able to predict who all are likely to make the whole nation proud. Right?
WRONG.
Unfortunately, as much we like to believe we can predict, that's not the case.
Controversy in Indian sports is not a new concept
Quite a few people who do know a lot about wrestling are pretty mystified with the 'Sushil Kumar-Narsingh Yadav' controversy that has stolen the headlines.
Ever since Narsingh Yadav earned an Olympic quota for the country in the 74 kg category at the World Wrestling Championships last year, he placed one goal above all others including Sushil Kumar - to represent India in Rio 2016.
But despite booking a berth, Narsingh is not sure of participating. Not yet.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, the first wrestler to qualify for Rio 2016 said, "The feeling of winning the quota was of immense happiness and also a sense of responsibility. Responsibility because my ultimate goal is to make my country proud at the Olympics."
Having been to the 2012 Olympics and losing in the first round, his experience in London wasn't a memorable one.
"London 2012 was my first Olympics and I allowed the occasion to get the better of myself. My improvement over the last four years has been due to the fact that I never stopped believing in myself and so kept on working hard," he said.
The son of a milkman added, "I want to ensure that I am at my peak when I make the journey to Rio and can deliver to the best of my potential."
Best in 74 kgs – Narsingh and not Sushil
With all the hard work he has put in, Narsingh has shown the world that he can compete with the best in the world. But, an Olympic berth won't be so straightforward for him this time.
Narsingh was the undisputed best in his category but after Sushil Kumar changed his weight category and moved to 74 kg from 66 kg, things have been kind of tricky.
Also Read: 10 things you need to know about wrestler Narsingh Yadav
India's most decorated wrestler and two-time Olympic medallist hasn't been part of any big tournament.
So, there is a possibility of a trial between them and whoever wins the match will represent India at the Games. The scenario is like:
Sushil Kumar gets a chance.
Narsingh Yadav has to fight again.
Only one will advance to Rio. Neither expected to be in this position.
But, if the Wrestling Federation of India decides to send Sushil citing his past performance, it will be totally unfair on the part of Narsingh.
"Till now, I have always seen that whichever wrestler wins the quota, he represents the country at the Olympics. By the same logic, I won the 74 kg quota at the World Championship and I deserve to go," he said.
A confident Narsingh added, "I have fought against some of the best 74 kg wrestlers in the world and I believe that I have earned the right to represent the country at the Olympics."
Won the Olympic trials, but not going to Rio?
The Deputy Superintendent of Maharashtra Police doesn't think there should be a trial. He fought a trial before going to the World Championship in 2015 and only after winning that trial was he selected to compete.
"By winning the 74 kg trial, I have proved that I am the best wrestler in the category in India. I have justified my selection by bagging a medal and becoming the only Indian wrestler to win at the 2015 World Championship. I believe that my performances, form, and fitness speak for themselves," said the wrestler who has great respect for Sushil Kumar.
Narsingh has been provided with the right training apparel, physiotherapists, conditioning coaches, and foreign training stints by JSW under their Sports Excellence Program throughout his career. This has allowed him to concentrate solely on bettering himself as a wrestler and according to all the logic, he is indeed the rightful representative in the 74 kg category.
These are strange times in Indian wrestling.
It's understandable that India has got so caught up in this, but we have to get on with the decision of Wrestling Federation of India and leave the controversy behind.
India may love Sushil Kumar, but at some point, we are going to have to ask if we love it more than justice.
