Resign as observer before comeback: WFI to Sushil

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

new delhi, september 23

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has created a major roadblock in Sushil Kumar’s return to competitive wrestling.

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has categorically stated that Sushil would have to give up his role as a national observer if the two-time Olympics medallist wants to enter the wrestling arena after a three-year hiatus.

“WFI’s stand is clear… Resign as an observer and then come back to active wrestling. The two things can’t function simultaneously,” Singh told The Tribune. “There’s a direct element of conflict of interest involved. How could Sushil judge the performance of other wrestlers in the 74kg category when he himself is competing in the same weight? Same goes for other weight categories where there are certain favourites of Sushil. Many wrestlers from his stadium (Chhatrasal) are part of the national camp in Sonepat. How would he ensure a fair selection? His job as an observer is to assess the performance of the wrestlers at the camp and other competitions. When he’s himself looking at participating actively, how is he going to ensure that no favouritism takes place?”

Sushil had been appointed by the government as a national observer for wrestling, but WFI hasn’t yet come to terms with the Sports Ministry’s choice. “Well, it was a wrong decision on part of former Sports Minister Vijay Goel. Initially, I objected to it, but later decided to ignore it. However, there are still people who have serious reservations over his appointment,” Singh informed.

Sushil recently expressed his desire of making a comeback through this year’s Pro Wrestling League (PWL), tentatively scheduled for November-December. 

“This league will tell me where I stand in terms of skills and fitness. If everything goes right, then the Commonwealth and Asian Games are well within my sight,” he had told this paper last month.

Singh today said that he has not talked with Sushil about his PWL participation. “He’s yet to reach out to WFI,” Singh said. “If he wishes to return to our fold, he’s welcome. I have moved on from the Rio selection controversy.”

Ready to relinquish role?

It has been learnt that Sushil might agree to step down as an observer to resume his wrestling career. “He’s thinking about it. If he has to make a choice between wrestling and his role as an observer, he’ll choose his first love, which is wrestling,” said a member of his coaching staff.