The inaugural edition of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) may lose some of its sheen if two-time Olympic champion Sushil Kumar decides to pull out of the six city-based franchise tournament to avoid aggravating his shoulder injury.
Sushil's father-in-law and coach, Satpal Singh, told dna that he would be advising the London Olympics silver medallist to not participate in the tournament, keeping in mind the preparation for the Rio Olympics next year.
Sushil, who has been roped in by the Uttar Pradesh franchise, had recently said that his coach will take a final call on his participation in the league, which will start on Thursday with a match between Dilli Veers and Punjab Royals at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here.
Satpal further made it clear that Sushil's main priority should be to "win gold" at the Rio Games than the league.
"The tournament will come back again next year, but not the Olympics. The Olympic preparations are more important. It's good that a wrestling league is happening, but I don't want Sushil to aggravate his injury. He should be in his prime form for the Rio Games and there is a possibility that he might risk his injury during the league," Satpal said.
"Olympic and world champions would be there in the league, and it would be very competitive. So, it's good for the junior wrestlers that they should participate in it. They don't usually get the chance to rub shoulders with such wrestling stars. Sushil should concentrate on Rio, this would be my advice to him. I will convey my sentiments to him tomorrow as he has left the decision to me," he added.
With Narsingh Yadav already qualifying for the Rio Olympics in the 74kg weight category, the same section in which Sushil competes, it's important for the 32-year-old grappler to remain injury free as he may have to fight with Narsingh in a trial match to decide who will represent India at the Games.
Rohit owns UP Warriors
Meanwhile, India cricketer Rohit Sharma was on Wednesday named the co-owner of Uttar Pradesh Warriors, following in the footsteps of other Indian players who have invested in the franchise-based leagues.
Sharma is the second big name to co-own a team in the PWL after Bollywood yesteryear superstar Dharmendra, who has a stake in Dilli Veers.
Meanwhile, India cricketer Rohit Sharma was on Wednesday named the co-owner of Uttar Pradesh Warriors, following in the footsteps of other Indian players who have invested in the franchise-based leagues.
Sharma is the second big name to co-own a team in the PWL after Bollywood yesteryear superstar Dharmendra, who has a stake in Dilli Veers.
Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli co-own teams in football's Indian Super League while Kohli has also bought a stake in the International Premier Tennis League's (IPTL) UAE Royals franchise.
The PWL will feature top wrestlers from around the world and will see six teams in action – Dilli Veers, Haryana Hammers, Punjab Royals, Uttar Pradesh Warriors, Bengaluru Yodhas and Mumbai Garuda over the next three weeks.
The PWL boasts of total prize money of Rs15 crore with the winners' purse amounting to Rs3 crore. The four top teams will qualify for the playoffs. The semifinals will be held on December 25 and 26 with the final on December 27.
Some of the top stars in action will be London Olympics bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt (Haryana), reigning world champion and current World No. 1 in the women's section, Ukraine's Oksana Herhel (Haryana), reigning men's world champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili of Georgia (Punjab), three-time world women's champion US's Adeline Gray (Mumbai), former Asian and Commonwealth champion Amit Dhankar (Mumbai), five-time world championship medallist in women's section, Yuliya Ratkevich (Bangalore) and Geeta Phogat (Punjab).
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