Sushil Kumar - 4 controversies that harmed his image and career

3. Sushil Kumar's tryst with hooliganism

Parveen Rana - Another 'victim' of wrestling politics

Whether or not Sushil sabotaged Narsingh Pancham Yadav's career is a matter of dispute. However, there have been previous accusations of brawling against Sushil before the current controversy.

Take for example the case of Parveen Rana. A national champion in the 74 kg category, Parveen Rana challenged Sushil for the trials before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and Sushil accepted. Despite winning the bout, Sushil was accused of attacking Parveen.

Parveen alleged foul play during the trials, which were denied by the Wrestling Federation of India. He alleged that Sushil instigated his followers to attack him and maul him.

4. Sagar Dhankad's death: The final straw

4 May 2021 will forever be labeled a Black Day in Indian sports. A few hooligans stormed the Chhatrasal Stadium on that night, and got into a brawl with some wrestlers. The violent brawl left junior wrestler Sagar Rana dead and many others injured.

Startling details about Sushil Kumar's involvement in the murder and other murky happenings quickly emerged. Sushil Kumar absconded for more than a fortnight before finally being arrested by Delhi Police on 22 May. Sushil was arrested by a team at Delhi Police's Special Cell near Mundka along with one of his associates.

This may have just opened the Pandora's Box. According to a report on Dainik Jagran, Sushil Kumar was involved with various gangsters, some of whom even accompanied him in his brawl with Sagar Dhankad on May 4.

To quote a report from Dainik Jagran, Sushil officiated as a referee for the 'gangsters', and under his supervision, Chhatrasal Stadium had become a haven for gangsters and hooligans.