Sachin Tendulkar told me to stay away from fixers, says Sushil Kumar
The 66 kg freestyle star has revealed that Russians had approached him in Moscow to lose the 2010 world championship final in return for Rs 3 crores.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: August 23, 2013 03:10 PM IST
At a time when match-fixing is plaguing sport at large, Sushil Kumar has revealed that Sachin Tendulkar advised him to keep safe distance from people who indulge in corrupt practices.
Speaking to a leading newspaper, the double Olympic medallist revealed Tendulkar had warned him against potential match fixers. (Related read: Indian official says bribing offers not uncommon in wrestling)
A diehard Tendulkar fan, Sushil said, "You learn so much simply by just sitting next to him. Once during a promotional event, we were having dinner and he leaned over and told me, 'If you want to win another medal then stay as you are and don't follow these people by doing the things they do.' I looked up to see which people and he was pointing to some of his fellow cricketers. I won't name which ones. You make your conclusion," Sushil said with a wink. (Read: I complained about Moscow fixing episode, no one took it seriously: Sushil Kumar)
In recent times, match fixing grabbed headlines when the Indian Premier League was rocked by spot-fixing and betting allegations. Former Test cricketer S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals colleagues (Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila) were arrested by the Delhi Police after allegations of spot-fixing against them. Even two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings owners were investigated for alleged betting.
Sushil, a 66 kg freestyle star, disclosed that Russians had approached him in Moscow to lose the 2010 world championship final in return for Rs 3 crores. However, the London Olympics silver medallist, refused to bite the bait and defeated the Russian opponent handsomely to become first Indian wrestler to win gold in a world championship.
Sushil, who is back to full training after recuperating from a shoulder injury, is now eyeing the Budapest world championship next month.