Thaindian News

London, Aug 5 (IANS) Beijing Games bronze medallist Sushil Kumar has promised a good show by the Indian grapplers at the London Olympics where the wrestling competition began Sunday.

“You will not find the Indian wrestlers wanting on the mat. We are determined to give our best. But then it is sports. Nothing can be predicted,” the soft spoken wrestler said at the Games Village here.

Sushil, who was the flag bearer of Indian contingent at the opening ceremony, had gone back to Minsk, Belarus to continue his training.

Talking about his competition the 66 kg freestyle category, Sushil said: “There are a few with whom I have not wrestled so far. But this is Olympics. You will always have to face the uncertain and be prepared for it.”

Sushil admitted to the burden of expectations this time after the bronze in Beijing.

“People back home have lot of expectation not only from me but from other wrestlers. This is a very good sign. Earlier wrestling never got so much of media attention.”

Team leader Raj Singh exuded confidence about his unit’s chances.

“There is nothing 100 percent in life, but one makes assessment on the basis of players’ past performances and present conditions. The wrestlers are in very good shape and confident to do well,” he said.

“In 60 kg, Yogeshwar Dutt is Asian champion. There are more Asian wrestlers compared to others and he has fought with most of them.

“Amit Kumar (55 kg) is young and a very bright prospect. He can emerge as a dark horse. Narsingh Yadav in 75 kg is capable of creating an upset. He has beaten the Beijing Games medallist in the qualifying competition,” he added.

In 55 kg category, Geeta will have the distinction of being the first Indian women to compete in the Olympics.