After four long years, Narsingh Yadav now waits eagerly for competitions to resume so that he can mark his comeback. And while he trains harder at a local akhada in Mumbai, his contemporary Amit Dahiya has a piece of advice for him. He should, Amit says, try making a return in the upper weight category. “Narsingh and I have been friends for long and we even shared one room during our time at Chhatrasal Stadium. He is a great wrestler and it is good that his ban has finally ended. I think he should eye for a place in 86kg rather than 74kg”.
Narsingh who was tested positive a day before the Rio Olympics 2016 has claimed that he was a victim of sabotage often accusing two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar whom he was directly competing for an Olympic slot in the 74kg weight category.
But with the ban over, he is now focussing all his energy in reviving his career. “I am now free to compete in all competitions. I have informed WFI about it too and have asked them to consider me to include in future national camps for the 74kg weight category”.
However, Amit thinks that the former world championship medallist should vie his chances in the 86kg weight category. “He always has to reduce weight to compete in 74kg. It leads to a loss in strength and stamina,” he said adding, “Also, knowing that he has been out of competition for long and will reduce weight to make the cut, junior wrestlers will go all out against him without any hesitation. It could be a big disadvantage for him”.
74kg or 86kg?
As Deepak Punia has already secured the 86kg weight class Tokyo Games quota, it is highly unlikely that WFI would hold any fresh trials. It leaves Narsingh with just one option and that is the 74kg where he faces stiff competition from the likes of Sushil Kumar, and Asian championship medallists Parveen Rana, and Jitender. However, Narsingh, who feels there is something good waiting for him with the postponement of the Olympics, is not too concerned by the competition he faces. “It is good to have competitions. It keeps you on toes. If I aim to win an Olympic medal, I will have to prove my mettle at the national level first,” the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist said.
