We can win 15 medals in the next Olympics: Sushil Kumar

Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: Sushil Kumar, who won a silver medal for India in London Olympics, said that India could win 15 medals in 2016 Olympics. Read: Look back at India’s golden moments» “We won 3 medals in 2008 Beijing Olympics. This Olympics we have doubled the tally. I am hopeful that we can win around 15 medals in 2016 Olympics,” Sushil Kumar told exclusively to Zee News. Also Read: India’s Heartbreaks at London Olympics» Also Watch: Exclusive: Sushil on Olympics success » Sushil Kumar also expressed satisfaction that Olympics sports are getting importance in the country. “The way people showed faith in us, the way they cheered us, I am really impressed with that,” said the wrestler, who became the first Indian to win back-to-back Olympics medals. He also said that he has no problem with cricket because he himself follows the game closely. “The cricketers also play for the country. I have no problem with the fact that people like cricket. I like cricket, too. But of late people are taking interest in Olympics sports, too.” When asked to disclose what it takes to become an Olympics medal winner, Sushil said that hard work, respect for the coach and parents are the secret of success. “Though I am not in position to give any advice to the younger generations as I am is still learning the game, I can say that one should work hard, respect the coaches and parents. These are the secret of success.” Wrestler Sushil Kumar on Sunday had created history by becoming the first Indian to win back-to-back Olympic medals but the coveted gold medal eluded him as he lost the men`s freestyle 66 kg category final to his Japanese opponent rather tamely at the ExCel Arena. The 29-year-old Sushil found the Japanese Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu, a tough opponent as he carved out a 3-1 victory to shatter the his hopes of winning a gold medal. With the addition of Sushil`s silver medal, India completed their engagements in the 30th edition of the Olympics with a record haul of six medals -- two silver and four bronze -- but the gold medal could not be won by any one. In Beijing, India had won one gold and two bronze medals. Sushil, who was cheered by the flag-waving Indian spectators, was down with dehydration when he took the mat for the final and that had a bearing on his performance.