Modi urges PM to oppose IOC decision on wrestling

Says opposing wrestling in the name of modernity is an insult

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday has urged the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to strongly opposed the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to drop wrestling from forthcoming Olympics.

While addressing the concluding ceremony of Khel Mahakumbh 2012-2013 Modi said, "To oppose a sport like wrestling in the name of modernity is an insult. There cannot be ‘games’ in sports."

He further said that this was not good news for any sports loving person and if it is removed a very old sport will decline.

Urging the PM and the central government to take the lead in opposing IOC's decision Modi said, "You do not need to be a wrestler. A great sport is being insulted. We must show our strength and present our views."

He further urged the Prim Minister to form a group of nations and express the voice strongly before the final decision is taken in September later this year.

"Wrestling is a traditional sport. Asian nations and people must come forward to ensure wrestling remains part of Olympics," he added.