New Delhi (Sputnik) – Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt has requested the IOC to allow the family of the late Russian wrestler Besik Kudukhov to keep the silver medal he won at the 2012 London Olympics. In a series of tweets, Dutt says that the IOA should not retract Kudukhov's medal in order to keep his family's honor intact.
"If possible he must be allowed to keep the medal. For me humanity is above everything," Dutt tweeted.
अगर हो सके तो ये मेडल उन्ही के पास रहने दिया जाए। उनके परिवार के लिए भी सम्मानपूर्ण होगा। मेरे लिए मानवीय संवेदना सर्वोपरि है।
— Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) 31 августа 2016 г.
Besik Kudukhov शानदार पहलवान थे। उनका मृत्यु के पश्चात dope test में fail हो जाना दुखद हैं। मैं खिलाड़ी के रूप में उनका सम्मान करता हूँ।
— Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) 31 августа 2016 г.
Four time world champion and two time Olympic medal winner Kudukhov died in a car crash in 2013. The World Anti-Doping agency conducted a test on Kudukhov during an investigation into allegations of doping. The result of the test came positive after which the IOA decided to retract his medal. Kudukhov won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic defeating Yogeshwar Dutt in the men's 60 Kg freestyle category in the pre quarterfinals.
"Besik Kudukhov was a magnificent wrestler. His dope test returning positive after his death is very sad. As a wrestler, I respect him," said Yogeshwar Dutt in another tweet.
Dutt's humane gesture has been widely appreciated on social media.
@DuttYogi BMW, Crores, Gifts? Naah!! You deserve Respect, which no one can steal from you.
— Virender Sehwag (@virenderswag) 31 августа 2016 г.
Sports is more than game, its respect!
@DuttYogi - Kudos..tough to say no to any reward..but you showed what a true sports person is..fan forever # respect #proudtobeanIndian
— Amit Gupta (@gupta_amit14) 31 августа 2016 г.
You have a golden heart and letting his family keep the silver medal is best thing. You've hold the Indian values high. Salute @DuttYogi
— Manish Khurpade (@Redfish18) 31 августа 2016 г.