Rio Olympics 2016: India's quota in the 74kg category of wrestling will stay, confirms UWW

For Sushil Kumar, there still might remain an outside chance to participate in Rio 2016

With the final verdict on Narsingh Yadav’s eligibility for the upcoming Olympics still awaited, Sushil Kumar’s hopes of appearing in his fourth Games stayed alive after the United World Wrestling (UWW) governing body declared that India’s quota in Men’s 74 kg Freestyle Wrestling won’t be taken away even if the Varanasi-born wrestler is suspended.

Timothy Foley, media manager of the UWW, informed The Indian Express in an email statement:

“By rule, they (India) would keep it unless they are unable to fill the spot. We will know more tomorrow (Monday night).”

While it is still not clear if it was a genuine offence committed by the 26-year-old Narsingh or a conspiracy to obstruct his advance to the Olympics, the UWW’s statement would certainly keep Sushil Kumar on his toes now, given he had been so eager for an opportunity to participate in the event this year.

Other than Sushil, young Parveen Rana is another contender who would be eyeing the Olympic berth that could be vacated if his compatriot Narsingh is banned for doping by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Sushil Kumar made a controversial post social media platforms Instagram and Twitter following the news of Narsingh Yadav’s failed test which reflects the bad blood that still exists between the two-time Olympic champion and the Indian Wrestling Federation.