New Delhi:
Commonwealth Games gold medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar has decided to skip next month's Asian Games in China because of a shoulder injury.
Sushil, who won the Commonwealth Games gold in the 66kg category, does not want to aggravate his injury suffered during the World Championships last month.
"I am also having pain in the neck and I seriously need some time off," Sushil told PTI.
"After the tough World Championship, I competed in the Commonwealth championship. I did not get much time to recover.
It was decided that I would be given a break after the Commonwealth Games to get fully fit for the Olympic qualifiers," said Sushil.
However, an official announcement will be made only after the federation meets tomorrow, he said.
"Everything has been done. It's just a formal announcement tomorrow. Peaking thrice in a year and giving the best in all tournaments is really a tough task, but I have delivered and now need some rest," Sushil said.
Pradeep Kumar will replace Sushil in the Asian Games squad to be held in Guangzhou from November 12-27.
Asked about his health, he said, "SAI doctors will come to Sonepat camp tomorrow and after that the picture will get clear."
Sushil has won gold medals in all three major competitions -- Asian, World and Commonwealth Games -- this year.