Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt on Wednesday turned down the offer to upgrade his 2012 London Olympics bronze medal to silver. He took to Twitter to convey his wish that he wanted the family of deceased Russian wrestler Besik Kudukhov, the original silver medallist who tested positive for a banned substance in a new doping test, to have the medal. The failed dope test meant Dutt was eligible for his medal to get upgraded.
Dutt said on Twitter: "Besik Kudukhov was a great wrestler. It is sad that he failed a dope test after his death." He added that he respected Kudukhov as a sportsperson and wished that if possible, the silver medal remain with him. "It would be respectful for his family, too. Humanity is most important for me," he said.
Kudukhov had defeated Dutt in the 60-kg freestyle pre-quarterfinals in the London Games. He died in a car crash in 2013. Dutt had confirmed the upgradation of his bronze medal on Tuesday.
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