Wrestling will be biggest contributor to India's medal tally in 2036: Yogeshwar Dutt

Yogeshwar Dutt (ANI Photo)
Former Olympic medalist and celebrated wrestler
Yogeshwar Dutt
expressed optimism about India's wrestling future, saying the sport will play a pivotal role in fulfilling
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
's dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics in India.
Speaking at the 25th edition of the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' Tiranga Rally in New Delhi, Dutt was quoted as saying, "Wrestling will be the biggest contributor to India's medal tally if the Olympics are held here in 2036."
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Reflecting on the turmoil caused by the controversy surrounding former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, Dutt admitted that the last two years had severely impacted the sport.
"There was a negative image across the country. We could have won two or three medals in Paris, but the situation hampered our progress," he said.
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However, he welcomed the lifting of the Sports Ministry's ban on WFI and said the sport is gradually returning to stability. "The federation has resumed its work. Before the crisis, we were consistently winning medals and even launched the Pro Wrestling League to support poor wrestlers and provide international exposure," he added.
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Dutt believes that with the right infrastructure and support, Indian wrestling can achieve even greater success. "India is working hard to become a global sports power. I am confident that wrestling will lead the way in our medal haul at the 2036 Olympics," he said, underscoring the potential of the sport to shine on the biggest global stage.

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