Two-time Olympic gold medalist Sushil Kumar’s plea seeking selection trial in 74 kg freestyle category at Rio Olympics was on Monday rejected by the Delhi High Court which found Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI’s) decision fair and transparent.
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The 33-year-old, who had won a bronze medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics and followed it up with a silver in 2012 London Games, had moved the court seeking directions to WFI to hold selection trials.
The court said Sushil Kumar has not won any major national or global tournament between September 2014 and now whereas Narsingh Yadav in December 2015, in the Pro Wrestling League, defeated even Purvjav Unurbat of Mongolia, the silver medallist in the September 2015World Championship.
The court also observed that Sushil Kumar has himself participated in previous Olympics without going through selection trials before the sporting event.
Sushil can still challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court.
Sushil Kumar, in an interview to HT, insists that trials with Narsingh Yadav must be held to finalise India’s entry at the Rio Olympics because the country has two equally capable contestants. He could not take part in the trial before due to an injury.
The court also issued notice to WFI vice president Raj Singh for allegedly filing false affidavit in connection with the case, asking him as to why perjury proceedings should be not initiated against him.
May 12: WFI gives the clearest indication that Sushil will not get the trials after excluding his name from the list of probables sent to the Indian Olympic Association for Rio Games.
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Sushil had won both his Olympic medals in 66kg category but had to move up to 74kg after the International Wrestling body (FILA) rejigged the weight divisions post the London Games.
