Rio 2016: A sneak peek into the life of wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav
Narsingh Pancham Yadav is currently involved in a controversy with Sushil Kumar who is also vying for the Rio Olympics berth for wrestling.
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.
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.
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
"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
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 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.