Coach GS Sangha, who has worked with both wrestlers, reckons Narsingh Yadav deserves Olympic berth more than Olympic medal winner Sushil Kumar
Narsingh chats with coach GS Sangha (left) at the Sports Authority of India ground, Kandivli on Saturday
Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kandivli wrestling coach GS Sangha has worked closely with both — two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar (bronze at Beijing Olympics and silver at London Games) and Narsingh Yadav.
Narsingh chats with coach GS Sangha (left) at the Sports Authority of India ground, Kandivli on Saturday. Pic/Ajinkya Sawant
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In the wake of the controversy as to who should represent the country in the 74kg category at the Rio Olympics, Sangha is very clear that Narsingh is the right candidate. Sushil missed the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas due to a shoulder injury while Narsingh won bronze to secure a place in the squad. Now, Sushil wants a trial to decide who between the two will be in Rio Olympics.
"Sushil is a very good wrestler in the 66kg category. I have travelled with him (Sushil) as a coach for many tournaments. I feel this controversy is pointless. Narsingh is the first Indian wrestler to have qualified for the Rio Games by winning a medal (in the 74 kg category) at the World Championships in Las Vegas last year. Narsingh is the best in his weight category and he is no less than anybody. He deserves to be there at Rio," Sangha told mid-day at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ground on Saturday. Hailing Narsingh's dedication, Sangha said that the 26-year-old has not let the controversy affect his training schedule.
He's only human
"It is human to be affected by such a controversy. I am sure it is playing on Narsingh's mind, but he is very focused. Though he has a home in Mumbai, he stays at the SAI hostel to ensure his training is not hampered. He spends hours working out, practising and engaging in recreational activities (playing football, volleyball and basketball). He is aware that there is a lot of expectation from him to win a medal and he is leaving no stone unturned to be the best," said Sangha.
Sangha is confident that Narsingh is capable of winning an Olympic medal. "Sushil has won an Olympic medal twice, but Narsingh is no less. The amount of hard work this boy has put, we at SAI feel that he can win the elusive wrestling gold for the country," he added.
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