First foreign wrestler arrives for Pro Wrestling League

Sushil Kumar described Ikhtiyor Navruzov, with whom he has fought on two occasions, as a very good wrestler.

New Delhi: The silver medallist of this year's World Championship, Ikhtiyor Navruzov of Uzbekistan on Saturday became the first foreign player to arrive here for the Pro Wrestling League, to be held from December 10 to 27 across sic cities in India.

"I am excited to be in India and I will try my best to lead my team Dilli Veer to victory in the league," said Navruzov.

Navruzov, who will be fighting in the Men's 65kg category for Dilli Veer, said he was excited to meet his friend Sushil Kumar.

"Even though this is my first visit to India, I have fought with Sushil in the London Olympics and I am looking forward to meeting my friend," he said.

Sushil described Navruzov, with whom he has fought on two occasions, as a very good wrestler.

"He is a very good wrestler and tough one at that," said the two-time Olympic medallist.

London Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt also welcomed Navruzov and said he would return home with fond memories of the country.

"India is known for its hospitality and I am sure that the Uzbek wrestler will go back with good memories. But once on the mat, we will have a tough competition," said Yogeshwar, who will face him in the 65kg category while representing Haryana.

Team officials and coaches of Dilli Veer welcomed the Uzbek wrestler at the Indira Gandhi International Airport today.

"He is a top wrestler in his category and we have pinned our hopes on him. I am sure we will do well in the league with the services of top wrestlers like him," said Vice-President of GMR Sports, Col Vinod Bisht, who was also among those who received him at the airport.

Coach of Dilli Veer team, Olympian Sujeet Maan said, "Ikhtiyor will be one of the main attractions of Pro Wrestling League."