Former two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar made a shock exit when he lost in the first round of the freestyle 74kg category at the 2018 Asian Games. It was a sombre beginning to India's wrestling campaign, which was saved by Bajrang Punia's gold in the 65kg category. THE WEEK caught up with Sushil to talk about his bout, and his future. Excerpts from the interview:
What happened today?
I'm playing such a big tournament after four years, and that is the reason I couldn't do well today. I just need the blessings of all my countrymen now. I will once again try to do my best.
So you will continue to practise?
Yes, of course. I need to do well in the 2020 Olympics. I'll keep practising.
In your bout, your opponent kept putting his leg forward, inviting you to attack.
It was his tactic and I fell for it, but after the first three minutes.
Has your endurance gone down?
If it was about endurance, you all would have seen it. I would have been breathless. There were no gaps in preparations. It happens. Whoever makes a mistake will pay for it. If he had done the same, I would have made him pay.
Is your leg okay?
It's absolutely fine.
What do you have to say to Bajrang?
I would like to congratulate Bajrang. Everyone was losing today. Ours legs were shaking. We were wondering whether anyone would get a medal or not. He did very well.