Watching videos of rivals: Sushil Kumar

After assuring himself of a third straight Olympic berth, India’s top wrestler Sushil Kumar is in no mood to rest. He wants to compensate for the time lost recuperating from a shoulder injury.

With just two-and-a-half months to go for the London Games, Sushil and coach Yashvir Singh have been trying to crack their opponents’ code by watching their recent videos.
“My coach and I will need at least 18 to 20 days to study the videos. As always, I’ve been working really hard and practising 7-8 hours daily. I want to bring glory to the country again,” he said.

Sushil put Indian wrestling on the world map after winning the bronze in Beijing four years ago. and gold in 2010 World Championship in Moscow. But his graph, since then, has dipped and he failed to defend his title in 2011. By qualifying for London — he won the World qualifier in Tainyuan — he has silenced his critics. “I was smiling even when I was injured and only training to keep myself fit. If I think about pressure I won’t perform,” said Sushil, who defeated 2008 Beijing Games bronze medallist Tushishvili Otar 3-0 on his way to gold at the China qualifiers.

Coach Yashvir Singh believes his ward has matured by facing world-class wrestlers. “His success is not in our hands because a great deal depends on the draw. But let me assure, we’ve a plan and a definite strategy for every wrestler,” he told DNA at a promotional event of ‘Travelling with the PROS’.

The late qualification may not have given Sushil enough time to prepare for the Games. Singh, however, feels the delay has only led to a change in training schedule and won’t cost him much.