Sushil wants Oly gold, via CWG route

New Delhi, March 20

There is nothing to prove anymore but quite a bit is left to achieve, says India’s most decorated wrestler Sushil Kumar. The grappler sees next month’s Commonwealth Games as the first step towards accomplishing his “unfulfilled” dream — winning an Olympics gold.

A two-time defending champion at the Commonwealth Games, the 34-year-old, who has an Olympics silver and bronze to his credit, feels the Gold Coast Games would prolong his career. “Since I started wrestling, my only aim was to represent the country and do well. When fit, I’ve always given 100 per cent on the mat. I can’t change people’s mindset, I’ve nothing to prove to anyone,” said Sushil.

Selection controversies

The champion wrestler is unmistakably curt when discussing his sport. It’s probably because of the selection controversies he has been involved in for the last couple of years. In 2016, ahead of the Rio Olympics, Sushil went to the court when the Wrestling Federation of India preferred Narsingh Yadav, eventually suspended for failing a dope test, over him without a formal trial. It denied him a shot at what could have been his third successive Olympics medal. He again found himself in an unsavoury situation when the CWG trial bout between him and Parveen Rana for the 74kg berth turned ugly, and was followed by a brawl between their supporters.

“I have two Olympics medals. I have nothing to prove to anyone. But I have an unfulfilled dream, and I came very close to realising it in the London Games in 2012 (where he won a silver). I feel I owe an Olympics gold to the country,” he said.

On his own

Despite his proven credentials, Sushil has been dropped from the government’s Target Olympic Podium scheme (TOPS) but the veteran has no complaints. “I don’t think about what people say about me. My job is to give my 100 per cent whenever I am fit. I have achieved everything in life and I didn’t need to make a comeback through the Nationals,” Sushil said.

To prepare for the Gold Coast Games, Sushil is travelling to Georgia later this week with his sparring partner Harphool and coach Vladimir Merstervishvili for a 10-day training stint. While Sushil is bearing his own expenses, Olympic Gold Quest is sponsoring Harphool. “I don’t regret not being in TOPS. My only aim is to give my best for the country. So, I am travelling to Georgia later this week for a 10-day training stint,” he said.

Many might feel that the 34-year-old is well past his prime, but Sushil remains positive and confident. “I feel a wrestler can continue till 40 if he can maintain his body. Everything depends on the individual and his lifestyle,” he said. “I have been working hard for the last four years. I have worked on my tactics and I am confident of a good show despite people’s apprehensions.” — PTI