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A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the participation of Olympic medal winners Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt in the 26th Senior Asian Wrestling Championships beginning at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium in New Delhi from April 18 to 24.
According to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), both star grapplers are doubtful starters for the Asian meet.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) general secretary Raj Singh told Sportskeeda that the selectors are yet to take a final call on their participation in the 26th Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. “As of now, they haven’t been ruled out of the tournament. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”
Singh said a clear picture would emerge in the next few days. “Our physio will assess both the wrestlers and decide whether they are fit to compete in the Asian Championship.”
It is learnt that Sushil who bagged a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the 66-kg category, and Yogeshwar, who won a bronze medal in the 60-kg category, are likely to be replaced by the reserve players.
The Wrestling Federation of India had included the star grapplers in the seven-member freestyle squad for the 26th Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. The men’s team was picked at the SAI Northern Training Centre in Sonepat on March 21.
Sushil hasn’t been seen in any competitive action after his silver medal effort at the London Olympics. He is recovering from a shoulder injury, which has kept him out of action for more than seven months.
Yogeshwar is currently undergoing rehab after he tore a ligament in January. The lanky grappler sustained a knee injury after the London Olympics and was out of competition for two months.
FILE PHOTO: Yogeshwar Dutt
WFI insiders say the federation is exercising caution as it wants both Sushil and Yogeshwar to be at their best for the Commonwealth and World Championships slated to be held later in the year.
The Asian event comes against the backdrop of Indian wrestling climbing up the popularity charts after the dazzling performance of Sushil and Yogeshwar.
Sushil, who is the only Indian to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals, should easily be the cynosure of all eyes if at he participates in the event.
2012 Asian Championship bronze medallist Amit Kumar, will also be seen in action in the freestyle 55kg division, while 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Narsingh Yadav will be competing in the 84kg category.
In the greco-roman style, Asian Games bronze medallist Ravinder Singh and Sunil Rana will carry the Indian hopes in the 60kg and 66kg categories respectively.
More than 20 countries including powerhouses Iran, Japan, Korea, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia are expected to particiapte in this championship.
Iran would be the team to beat – they have bagged the 2012 continental title in both freestyle and greco roman categories.
India has fared well at the continental championships having won 15 medals in the last three editions. This is the sixth time India is hosting this championship. New Delhi is staging it for the fourth time.
