KOCHI: As expected, the Sushil Kumar vs Narsingh Yadav trial issue laned up in court. On Monday, Sushil Kumar and his father-in-law and coach Satpal moved the Delhi High Court to force Wrestling Federation of India to hold a trial as requested by Sushil’s camp. The New Indian Express had first reported on May 1 that WFI was not keen on holding trials as it would set a bad precedent. Like in previous years, it felt since Narsingh Yadav qualified he should represent India. However, Sushil felt he should be given a chance.
“We have been asking the federation but they are yet to give a decision on the trials so we had to move the HC,” Satpal told Express. Wrestling federation was not amused. WFI secretary general VN Prasood said they were expecting him to go to court. “We were expecting it and we will definitely abide by court’s order,” he said.
The federation, however, is yet to take a decision. According to a top official, WFI’s stance will be clear after a meeting on Wednesday. It is learnt, the meeting, headed by federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, will discuss Sushil’s request and in consultation with coaches and selection committee the executive council will take a final call. The coaches and selection committee have been asked to prepare a report. Sources also indicated that both the report of coaches and selection committee are against holding trials. EVen the selection committee too wants to continue with eight wrestlers who have secured Olympic berths.
Another top official in WFI expressed confidence that the executive committee will unanimously give the nod to both reports. unanimously give the nod to both reports. “Weknow we have to take some toughdecisions, but webelieve we areunanimous in our decision,” hesaid. Even some top wrestlers aresupporting Narsingh. In 2004 Olympic, when Kripa Shankar Patel challenging Yogeshwar Dutt’s inclusion went to court under similar circumstances, the matter was ruled in favour of Dutt who secured the berth. —shanas@newindianexpress.com —shanas@newindianexpress.com
We have been asking the federation but they are yet to give a decision on the trials. So we had to move high court. Satpal, coach