Sushil Kumar's Rio dreams shattered

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea by wrestler Sushil Kumar seeking a fresh trial to decide on India's representative in the 74 kg freestyle category at the upcoming Rio Olympics.

While the court admitted to Sushil being a "legendary" wrestler, it also maintained that WFI's original choice, Narsingh Pancham Yadav, is a better bet in said category.

"Though Sushil Kumar is a player with great record, the decision of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) cannot be held perverse.

"WFI conducted a transparent process of selection. Delhi HC will not interfere in the jurisdiction of the wrestling federation unless arbitrary or unreasonable behaviour is shown. Arguments that the trial was held months ago and hence not tenable, are unsound and not accepted," the court noted.

Sushil, who won bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver in the 2012 London Games in the 66 kg division was dealt a blow when that category was abolished by the International Wrestling Federation in 2014.

As a counter, Sushil moved to the next higher 74 kg category, triggering a direct face off between him and Narsingh Yadav, who is India's top wrestler in that slot.

After Sushil missed qualifying for Rio due to an injury, he requested WFI to hold a fresh trial and eventually moved court.