Wrestling body happy with Sushil Kumar's return to ring

Indore, Nov 16 (PTI) The apex body of wrestling today expressed happiness over the decision of Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar to return to the ring after a long gap.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh said it was Kumar's own decision and added no wrestler could be compelled to participate in national events before heading for international competitions.

"I am happy that Sushil Kumar is returning to the ring after a long time. However, this is his own decision. We can't force any player to take part in the national championship to ensure his participation in international competitions.

"At times, players are unable to take part in the national championships due to personal reasons or injury," he said.

Singh was talking to reporters at the inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship here.

Talking about the changes made to the rules of the game by the United World Wrestling - the international body controlling wrestling - Singh said the norms would be implemented from 2018.

Singh said the WFI was holding the current national championship on the basis of old rules to avoid any disadvantage to the country's wrestlers