Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the petition of two-time Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar seeking directions to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to hold selection trials to decide who will represent India in the 74 Kg freestyle category at the Rio Olympics. Justice Manmohan said though Sushil Kumar is a “legendary” wrestler, but WFI’s contention that Narsingh Pancham Yadav is better in 74 kg category cannot be termed as “unreasonable” or “perverse”. The court also observed that Sushil Kumar has himself participated in previous Olympics without going through selection trials before the sporting event.
Meanwhile, the High Court issued notice to WFI Vice President Raj Singh asking him why perjury proceedings should not be initiated against him for giving false affidavit before it. The court also said since the Olympics is scheduled in August, there is a high probability that the wrestlers might sustain injuries if the selection trial is conducted now. The court’s order came on the plea moved by 32-year-old Sushil Kumar who had sought a selection trial to decide who will represent the country in the 74 kg category at Rio Olympics 2016. The WFI had opposed his plea saying 26-year-old Narsingh was a better bet compared to Sushil, who had participated in 66 kg category earlier. WFI had said that Yadav had secured a berth for this category at Rio by winning a bronze medal in world wrestling championship held last year. Yadav’s counsel had also opposed Sushil’s plea and told the court that the athlete who secures a berth represents the country in the Olympics.
