Flag bearer Sushil Kumar ecstatic to lead the Indian contingent

NEW DELHI: On Sunday, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) bestowed the honour of being the official flag-bearer at the London Olympics' opening ceremony to wrestler Sushil Kumar. The bronze medalist at the Beijing Olympics is just back from a training stint in the US and is honoured with the announcement. To lead out the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony on July 27 is more than an honour, he says."To just say that it is an honour is an understatement."
"Representing your country on such a prestigious international event is a matter of pride and I am thankful to IOA and the people of India to show so much faith in me. I hope to make my country proud," says an ecstatic Sushil.
The wrestling events at the Olympics begin only in the first week of August. The only thing on Sushil's mind is to train hard to win the coveted number one spot. How did the training in the US help? "The high altitude helped us in building our endurance and there has been an improvement in our performance," he says. Training is hardcore with the Olympics being just days away.
"I am giving it my best, practising and never losing sight of the goals that I have set for myself. Winning the bronze was amazing, but winning the gold will be spectacular," he adds. The country's hopes are pinned on him and Sushil hopes to ensure that he will not let anyone down. And, that includes his family and others in his village Baprola in south west Delhi.
Does he have a particular strategy to tip the scales in his favour in a fight? "When you are in the wrestling ring, it is very important to be alert and not lose focus even for a second," he says, adding, "You have to be exceptionally aware of your opponent and your own moves at all times."
Does more need to be done to ensure that sportspersons have all the support they need? "India has many talented athletes and we have remarkable sportspersons in small cities across the country. Slowly the scenario is changing and many organisations are coming forward to pledge their support. We're hoping many more will come forward," he says.