While the world awaits the upcoming Rio Olympics, in India, a battle is brewing between two-time Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar and World Championship Bronze medalist Narsingh Pancham Yadav. Kumar has asked for a selection trial to decide who will be the final participant for the 74 kg wrestling category in Rio. While Narsingh Yadav bagged the quota after his performance at the World Championship in Las Vegas, Kumar missed out on account of his shoulder injury. This was after the United World Wrestling rejiged the weight division, putting Yadav and Kumar in the same category. The controversy has now put the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in a dilemma.

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Yadav's family has objected to the trial, saying, "A person cannot take advantage of the situation on the basis of his seniority. Narsingh has been working on his skills for the last four years and has now succeeded in getting the quota too, so he should be sent to Rio."

As Yadav faces this crucial challenge at this juncture of his career, Team Iamin visited his Nima village in Cholapur town of Uttar Pradesh for an exclusive interview with his family.

Narsingh's father fondly remembers the day when his son won his first laurel in the village. "At the age of eight, he came back home after defeating nine people and bagging many laurels. That's when I knew that he would become one of the best wrestlers some day," says Pancham Yadav.

Pancham Yadav recollects moving to Jogeshwari in Mumbai to his uncle's place, in order to have better growth prospects. "When I brought Narsingh to Mumbai, he was three years old. Narsingh's brother Vinod and I would go to Jogeshwari's akhara every day for training and he would come along with us. Thus, from age 10, he has been learning the ropes from his brother," he says.

Beaten up as a kid

Pancham Yadav said, "In the akhara where we would practice, trained wrestlers would contest with Narsingh. Once, while Vinod and I were already at the training centre, Narsingh came to the centre all by himself after school. When we got back home, my elder brother beat him up for travelling alone, worried about his safety. But he wouldn't really listen and come anyway. Bharat Yadav would coach him there."

Move to hostel

The head of Sai Hostel in Jogeshwari, Guru Jagmal was impressed by Yadav's progress and asked his father if he could look after Yadav's training. Though Pancham was hesitant at first, he agreed when Jagmal assured that he would take care of all his necessities. From then on, Yadav would visit home only on Saturdays and be back at the hostel on Monday.

"Rio Olympics is my son's right" - Pancham

When Pancham was asked about Sushil's argument, he said, "My son qualified to gain the quota, Sushil Kumar didn't even participate in the events. My son should be given a fair chance. The Sports ministry and WFI should look into the matter." 

The apple of his mother's eye 

As a child, Narsingh was called 'Fareri'. His mother Bhulnadevi fondly remembers his mischievous side and says he would often fall and get up again and start running all around the house.

She also spoke about her regular trips to Mumbai in the early years of their move, where she would ensure that there would be someone to take care of Narsingh. She said, "My son has worked really hard, no one can trick him this time. He will win a gold in Rio."

Supportive brother

Vinod says, "Though the final decision will be taken by the Indian Olympic Association and WFI, but as is usually the case, the one who qualifies for the quota is entitled to represent the country. So Narsingh should be sent to Rio." 

A wrestler himself, Vinod works as a TC for Indian Railways in Mumbai. In a chat over the phone, he also discussed Sushil Kumar. He said, "Though there is no doubt that Kumar can make it big in the world of wrestling, but a farmer's son who has proved his mettle should not be denied a chance. I hope he is allowed to participate and wins a gold."

Wedding bells for Narsingh? 

Narsingh has three other siblings who are already married. Though his mother has been trying to convince him to tie the knot since last year, he has successfully dodged the question so far. Now she says she would like him to get married as soon as he is back from the Olympics. 

Narsingh Pancham Yadav, who is six years younger to Kumar, belongs to a small farmer family. In 2010, he made a name for himself when he won a gold at the Commonwealth Games in 74 kgs category. He also won a bronze at the Asian Games in 2014.