Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt and Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Bajrang Punia were recently interviewed by PTI on the sidelines of their preparation for the 2020 Olympics.
When asked on why he decided to call it a day, Yogeshwar Dutt alluded that he did so in order to train Bajrang for gold. “If it was not for Bajrang, I would not have quit the mat. I would have competed more and may be could have moved up a category. But I thought, it is a right decision. He is only 24. Since his junior days, he showed spark. I want people of India to see Yogeshwar in Bajrang now. I had a long career and I don’t want that Bajrang gets affected,” said 36-year-old.
When Bajrang was asked how he could maintain such a hectic training schedule, he replied that he had to overcome three temptations. “I always wanted to have a cell phone. But When I started playing international events in 2010, Yogi Bhai advised against it. I have never gone for sight-seeing after my competitions abroad. I have never been to a cinema hall. Whatever movies I have watched, I have watched on TV.”
Salute to Bajrang and Yogeshwar’s sacrifices so that they can bring glory to the nation. Let’s hope that they strike gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.