Let the federation decide if Sushil or I go to the Olympics: Wrestling Worlds bronze winner Narsingh

Narsingh Yadav won the bronze for India at the prestigious World Wrestling Championships – ensuring India will be represented at the 74-kg wrestling category at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

But, there is a catch.

The athlete who wins the quota berth doesn’t have to be the one to represent his represent the country at the Olympics. For Narsingh, the shadow of India’s most decorated wrestler Sushil Kumar hangs over his broad frame. If the federation decides so, then Sushil could be chosen to represent India in Rio, given that these two star wrestlers compete in the same weight category.

“I am happy that I won the medal for India. Before going to Las Vegas for the Worlds, that is all I had wanted to achieve,” Narsingh said during an interaction with the media on his return from the US. “Now that qualification to Rio is secured, it is up to the federation to decide who will represent our country in Rio. It is their decision.”

“I am going to ensure that my fitness and form are right up there. It’s been the case all these years that whoever secured the Olympic berth, they represent the country. I am hoping that policy is followed this year as well,” Narsingh said.

“I spoke to Sushil after the bronze and it was a friendly chat. He congratulated me. As far as I am concerned, I am proud of what I achieved. The quota discussion can wait,” he said.

It is not an ideal situation to be in for either athlete, with less than a year to go for Rio 2016. The 26-year-old Narsingh insisted that all his focus will be on preparing with the Olympics in mind and he will put his best foot forward, given the backing of JSW Sports – the organization that has now backed him for the last two years.

Narsingh defeated France’s Zelimkhan Khadjiev in the bronze-medal match of the 74-kg category and not in ordinary circumstances, mind you. Having taken an early 4-0 lead, Narsingh found himself being dominated by his French opponent and was down 12-4 with barely two minutes left.

Then out came the Dhak – a spectacular finishing move that is usually seen in mud-wrestling events in India. The vicious headlock floored Narsingh’s opponent who stayed down for over five seconds, giving Narsingh and India a victory by fall.

“The scoreline was beyond my reach then and with so little time left, I had to try a move like that. That was the only way I could make up for the deficit. I just went with my instinct and thankfully it paid off,” said Narsingh.

“All I was thinking about was winning a medal for India. All my fellow wrestlers had already lost and this was our last chance. I was losing close bouts in the previous rounds, but I was determined to win this one. The Dhak move helped me achieve it,” said Narsingh.

Is this something he has practiced before or used at the international stage previously? “I practice this with my partners often. At the highest stage, I used it once in an event in Colorado in 2013 and now here in Vegas. With the scoreline reading 4-12, there was no better time to use it,” said Narsingh.

“I was very disappointed after my first bout exit in London in 2012. Since then I have worked on my speed and stamina, especially with the change in format of Olympic wrestling where the event is for two periods of three minutes each unlike the three-minute format before,” said Narsingh. “I now have time to work on my weakness and focus on strengths, participate in as many events before Rio and keep myself in the best shape possible. I know I have to be at my best to do well in Rio, that’s all my focus is on right now.”

CEO of JSW Sports, Mustafa Ghouse, announced a prize money of Rs 5 lakhs for Narsingh’s achievement at the Worlds in Las Vegas.