New Delhi: With experienced Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt in the ranks, Idian grapplers stand a good chance of finishing on the podium in the upcoming Olympics, said Narsingh Pancham Yadav who became the fourth wrestler from the country to qualify for the London Games.
After three failed attempts, Narsingh secured his ticket to London after beating Olegk Motsalin of Greece in a lop-sided title clash of 74kg freestyle category at the World Qualifying Tournament in Helsinki last week.
"I very happy with my performance. The things were a bit tough for me after failing to qualify on the the previous three occasions. I won`t say there was no pressure but I kept myself focused and was confident of making it to the Olympics," Narsingh said after returning home yesterday.
"Sushil, Yogeshwar and Amit have already qualified for the Olympics. I am the fourth one to have booked my berth for the Games. We thus have a good representation and I am hopeful that we will bring laurels to the country," the 23-year-old wrestler said.
The Uttar Pradesh-born grappler, who has plied his trade in Mumbai for most part of his life, attributed his success in the qualifiers to his parents and also thanked his coaches for their continued support.
Narsingh in particular was appreciative of his long time coach and mentor Jagmal Singh.
"The credit for my win in Helsinki goes to my parents first and then to my coaches, who showed great trust in my ability. I am also thankful to my long-time coach Jagmal, who has really guided me well over the years," he said.
National coach, Vinod Kumar, meanwhile hailed Narsingh`s performance as one of the best and said with the grappler`s addition to the London-bound team, he was hopeful of at least two medals from the mega-event.
"Narsingh was absolutely superb in Helsinki, the boy was really a delight to watch," the coach said.
Asked what Indian wrestlers chances in the upcoming Olympics, Kumar said, "I am not expecting a great deal from Amit Kumar. He is a very good prospect, no doubt about that, but in big events like the Olympics experience matters a lot."
"I expect at least two medals from our senior players, Sushil, Yogeshwar and Narsingh. Sushi and Yogeshwar in particular have the experience on their side and they should do good in the Olympics," Kumar added.
He also informed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was mulling at least two foreign exposure tours before the Olympics and added that the grapplers will also participate in the inaugural Hari Ram Indian Grad Prix Wrestling to be held in the city from May 25.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, May 08, 2012, 14:04