Sushil, Yogeshwar pick Asian Games over World Championships

New Delhi, Aug 10: Star grapplers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt have decided to skip the FILA World Wrestling Championships to be held next month in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to avoid injuries and preserve themselves for the upcoming Asian Games.

Sushil and Yogeshwar, who won a gold each in men's 74kg and 65kg freestyle in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will not take part in the world meet to be held from September 4 to 18.

Amit Kumar Dahiya and Babita Kumari, who won a gold each in Glasgow in men's 57kg and women's 55kg freestyle, will also not take part in the World Championships.

Wrestling head coach Vinod Kumar told PTI that India will send a 'B' team in the World Championships in view of the Asian Games.

"It will be really hectic for Sushil and Yogeshwar to take part in both the World Championships and Asian Games as barely 10 days separate the two events. They have to be kept fighting fit for the Asian Games and avoid injuries. Amit Kumar Dahiya is also not taking part (in World Championships).

So basically we are sending a 'B' team in the World Championships," Vinod Kumar said.

"World Championships is an important event in the wrestling calendar but we feel Asian Games are even more important as they are the premier multi-sporting event of the continent and the performance of our wrestlers will reflect on India's medal tally. We have to choose between two important events and we opted for Asian Games to field our top wrestlers," he reasoned.