Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt has been advised not to go in for surgery by his doctors on the knee, which has been diagnosed twice, as it could pose serious threat to his wrestling career.
Yogeshwar suffered a medical collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his right knee in July and was contemplating undergoing an operation in South Africa.
"I had consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. He advised me not to go in for surgery as it could keep me out of wrestling mat for at least six to seven months. Moreover, he said it would be risky to go in for a third surgery on the same area," Yogeshwar told PTI.
Yogeshwar had undergone the first surgery on his knee in 2009.
"The doctor has advised me to focus on my strength training. Currently I am concentrating on gyming. He said the injury will heal overtime. He advised that going under knife would not be a good option at this time as it could seriously affect my career. The doctor has said my knee is getting better," said the 30-year-old grappler.
"I am practicing techniques on the mat. It's just that I am fighting bouts. I have no problems in the knee while playing basketball or volleyball," he added.
Though he is not fit to compete in the upcoming World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Yogeshwar has requested the Wrestling Federation of India to allow him to practice with the team at the training camp.
"I have asked the WFI to allow me to participate at the Budapest camp. I would want to see the new rules introduced to the game. Also my experience could help junior wrestlers in the bouts when the competition begins," said the 60-kg freestyle wrestler.
The WFI has forwarded his application to the ministry and is waiting for the reply.
The Indian contingent will be leaving tonight for the World Championships that will be played from September 16-22.
