Indian wrestlers could win three medals, says Yogeshwar Dutt

Aman Sehrawat
Aman Sehrawat is the lone Indian male grappler in the fray. File photo: X via IANS

New Delhi: London Olympics bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt is confident that wrestling will yet again fetch India a medal at the Games and the number could be more than one if the grapplers get a favourable draw.

India will have a six-member wrestling contingent in Paris. The wrestling competition will begin on August 5.

Only Aman Sehrawat (57kg) could qualify in the men's section but the women put up a strong show by qualifying in five of six Olympic weight divisions. Only 62kg is missing from the list.

India have not missed a wrestling medal since 2008 Beijing Games where Sushil Kumar won a bronze.

"A lot will depend on the draw. If India get a favourable draw, then I am expecting three medals," Yogeshwar Dutt said on the sidelines of an event.

"In the last four Olympics, we got medals from wrestling. So I hope, wish & pray the fifth time in a row, wrestling will bring medal for the nation. I wish all the wrestlers all the very best. I think they are well- prepared," said Yogeshwar.

"After hockey, wrestling has given India the most number of medals. It has given seven medals ahead of all other Olympic sports. Wrestling is without doubt the number one individual Olympic sport for India."

Dutt, who is also a BJP leader now, feels that India will return their best ever show in Olympics.

"I am expecting Indian contingent to win more than 10 medals," he said.

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.