Sushil Kumar: Striving-hard for Asian Games Gold

Two-time Olympic medalists Sushil Kumar is eager to fetch an Asian Games gold on his return to competitive wrestling after four long years and will head to Georgia for a 10-day training before flying to Indonesia for the competition.

“I returned to wrestling after four years at the Commonwealth Games (in Gold Coast, Australia where he won the gold). I am in form now. I will be going to Georgia for ten days on the recommendation of the (wrestling) federation (WFI). Preparation has been going on very well,” said the London Olympics gold-medallist in Mumbai on Wednesday as quoted by the Indian Express.

The former World champion has won everything but an Asian gold still evades his trophy cabinet.

“I have been World and Asian champion but not in the Asian Games. “Jabarbast tapasya mein laga hua hoon” (I am working very hard to achieve it),” added Sushil who remains only the second Indian wrestler to win two Olympic medals.

The 35-year-old also rejected the claims that the Wrestling Federation had kept two wrestlers on standby, in case he (Sushil) is not fit enough or pulls out in the finals minute.

“My training schedule is known to everyone, including what type of training I do,” said the 2006 Doha Asian Games bronze-medallist. “One day it’s weight training and another day it’s full of fights (bouts).”

“Sparring partners of different types are available (when he trains in Georgia). Competition is also tight as wrestlers from countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey come over and train,” he added.

Four years away from wrestling was indeed a difficult life said Sushil. So difficult that for once he even contemplated retiring from the sport.

“It’s difficult to make a comeback after four years in any sport and especially in wrestling it is all the more difficult because here every day you have to work on your strength or fitness. There was a time I thought: Let’s not do it again. But someone told me that there’s enough of wrestling still left in me, so I came back.

He was however not ready to talk about the kind of opponents he expects at the Asian Games.

“I always think my competitor is neither big nor small, neither junior nor senior. Whoever is opposite me must always be good enough (to compete),” he added.