New Delhi:
Brushing aside all the talks of delays in construction of the venues and training centres hampering the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, world wrestling champion Sushil Kumar on Monday said that such delays do not deter a sportsperson from getting ready for a big event.
"All these delays in setting up venues do not affect a sportsman as he is always focused on making his preparations and continuing with his training. We, as players, are not so bothered about all these things (delays) and would like to concentrate on our game," the Beijing Olympic Games bronze-medalist said.
"I would also urge the media to ignore all the negative things surrounding the Games and focus on the positive aspects.
After all, the country's prestige is at stake," he added.
Beaming with confidence after becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championship in Moscow earlier this month, Sushil said he was hoping to translate his recent performance during the October 3-14 Games.
"I hope to do well. Even the other members of the team are preparing well and working very hard. So, we all are pretty confident of giving our best during the mega-event, said the freestyle wrestler.
Sushil also predicted that India would bag at least 10 to 15 golds in the Games. "There are a total of 21 gold medals up for grab and I feel that we would be able to win at least 10 to 15 of them."
He, however, said that countries like Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan might pose a stiff challenge.
"Obviously, it is going to be tough, but we will give a strong fight. It does not matter who the opponent is because whenever you take the field you believe that you are going to win," said Sushil, adding, "We are quite positive about our chances after some good performances in the World and Asian Championships."
When asked whether he was responsible for bringing global respect for Indian wrestling, Sushil tried to play it down.
"We are now being recognised as a dominant force in wrestling. But to project me as a trend-setter for the game, as the media has done, is a simplistic assessment.
"There was a time when medals were not coming our way and then our mentors and coaches worked very hard and now because of their hard work we have reached this stage," said the wrestler.
Sushil, nonetheless, accepted that his Olympic medal helped wrestling grab the attention of the younger generation.
"After I won the Olympic medal, youngsters have started coming to the 'akharas'. Children as young as those studying in fifth or sixth standards are also taking admission. Even the government has come forward.
"Now many training venues have ACs and other facilities. Modern gymnasiums have also been put in place for the wrestlers that include technologically-advanced machines for training," he said.
Keen to give back something to wrestling, Sushil assured that India would not have any dearth of medals in this sporting discipline in future.
"I will do everything to make sure that Indian wrestling makes a mark at the world stage. Whatever help the budding wrestlers need, I will try to extend it.
"I can say that there is a lot in store in this game as youngsters are doing very well and coming up in a big way," he added.