After boxer Mary Kom, wrestler Sushil Kumar resigns as National Observer

New Delhi, December 6: Close on the heels of star boxer MC Mary Kom's resignation, double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar has also quit his role as a National Sports Observer for wrestling.

The 34-year-old wrestler was among 12 national observers appointed by the then sports minister Vijay Goel in March.

"Wrestler Shri Sushil Kumar and Boxer Ms Mary C Kom have submitted their resignation as National Sports Observers," the sports ministry said in a release. "As both the top athletes are still active in their respective fields, wrestling (Men) and boxing (Women), they felt that this could be seen as conflict of interest.

"Keeping in mind the best of the sporting traditions the athletes submitted their resignation. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has accepted their resignations as National Sports observers."

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore thanked Sushil and Mary Kom for their services and said the government will continue to benefit from their rich insights and expertise.

I was a military academy #boxing medalist back in my young days- 77NDA/87Reg IMA. My coursemates will vouch :)

This young #boxer was kind to allow me some practice punches; what a special feeling to be amongst #athletes 👍 pic.twitter.com/YLXstpOOTR

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) December 5, 2017

Mary Kom had resigned as the national observer for boxing about a fortnight ago after Rathore made it clear that active sportspersons will not be considered for the position.

Mary Kom resigns

"I resigned as the National Observer after having a word with Mr. Rathore. I had been requested to take up the position, it was not something I had asked for," Mary Kom, who claimed her fifth Asian Championships gold medal last month, said earlier. "I had inquired about the rule on not having active athletes as observers with the then Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas when it was offered to me," she explained.

"But at that time, I was told that I should nonetheless accept the position. I did so on the insistence of the Ministry and I don't want unnecessary controversies about something that I had not asked for," she said.