World Wrestling Championship | Strict AFI keeps Sushil Kumar’s participation in doubt
While Sushil Kumar has confirmed his willingness and availability to perform at the World Championships scheduled in September in Kazakhstan, WFI’s strict rules could see the two-time Olympic medalist miss out on it. Kumar has missed the national camp to train in Kayakent with his personal coach.
The London Olympics silver medalist has enjoyed a grand stature in the Indian wrestling fraternity for his achievements on world’s biggest stage as well as his unparalleled ability. This even led the 74-kg wrestler to enjoy certain luxuries and exceptions from the Wrestling Federation of India.
However, they have pretty much stopped of late with his dipping performances at the various events and his absence from the mat for close to three years has played a crucial role in the development as well. Kumar has been training with personal coach Malikov Kamal and not in the national camp in Sonepat, where all the listed wrestlers in WFI’s roster are present.
Now, Sushil Kumar might have got a better training in the famous wrestling town of Dagestan in Russia that has polished several world and Olympic champions, but as per WFI’s policy only those taking part in the national camp would be competing in the trials for any major championship.
With Kumar falling down in the eye of the federation, his participation in the Worlds, scheduled from September 14 to 22, would be in doubt. However, there would be no doubt that Sushil could still be one of India’s biggest contender at the 2020 Tokyo Games and with the Worlds serving as a first qualifying tournament for that, WFI could rethink their decision.
