Rio Olympics berth row: Delhi HC refuses to intervene, asks WFI to meet Sushil Kumar on Wednesday to solve issue

Court said that even though the Sushil has done well for the country in the past, decision cannot be taken based on that as WFI had the power to take a final call.

New Delhi: Hearing the plea filed by ace Indian Wrestler Sushil Kumar regarding the 74kg Rio Olympics berth, the Delhi High Court today refused to intervene in the matter and asked Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to meet with him on Wednesday and solve the issue on their own.

Beginning the proceedings, the judge hearing the matter said that even though Sushil had brought several laurels for the country, one could not belittle Narsingh Yadav's contribution, as it was because of him that the country had earned a quota for the quadrennial event.

The WFI lawyer told the judge that the names have been sent to International Olympic Committee (IOA) which comprised only quota winners.

When the judge asked why couldn't WFI explain the same to Sushil, WFI lawyer said he was not ready to listen.

Judge also said that even though the Sushil has done well for the country in the past, decision cannot be taken based on that as WFI had the power to take a final call.

Towards the end, judge asked WFI to arrange a meeting with Sushil tomorrow to sort out the issue.

Sushil had moved to court on Monday, after his name was omitted from the WFI's Rio Preparatory camp, which is scheduled to begin in Sonepat from Wednesday, as only the quota place earning wrestlers have been included in the list.

As per rules, Narsingh Pancham Yadav has been included in the men's 74kg freestyle division for the camp as he had acquired the berth at the World Championship last year, while Sushil's name does not figure.

"The Rio preparatory camp is starting on Wednesday and all those wrestlers who have earned Olympic quota places are being included in the camp," a WFI official told PTI.

Sushil could not participate in the event last year due to a shoulder injury.