In an apparent snub to Dronacharya awardee wrestling coach Satpal Singh, the sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, asked him to step aside during a photo opportunity
with World Championship gold medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar at his residence here
on Tuesday.
The incident took place when Sushil, along with his personal trainer Satpal and national
team coach Yashvir, visited Gill's official residence to meet him after becoming the first world champion Indian wrestler in Moscow on Sunday.
After congratulating Sushil and seeing his medal, the duo went for the photo opportunity
and Mr Gill started looking for the coach to stand beside them.
When Satpal, who was conferred the Dronacharya award last year, appeared on the
scene, Mr Gill told him to step aside and instead called Yashvir, who accompanied the
Indian team during the event in Moscow.
"I want the coach who went to Moscow with him," Mr Gill said before Yashvir stood beside Sushil for the session.
Mr Gill, however, later also requested Satpal to join them. But Mr Satpal, a gold medallist of 1982 Asian Games, chose to play down the incident.
"I did not like it. But this is a happy occasion, so let's talk about Sushil's achievement," Satpal said later.
Sushil also said he has a lot of respect for Satpal who has groomed him since childhood.
"He is a good trainer, I have a lot of respect for him. He has trained me since childhood," Sushil said.