Russian Wrestler apologises for his misbehaviour

Oct 29: Russian wrestler George Kiriakou, who is popularly known as Nikita at last, tendered an unconditional written apology to the people of India and local mediapersons for his indecent behaviour on Sunday.

Nikita, who became ferocious and hurled a table and few chairs at photographers and mediapersons at a press conference organised by Universal Wrestling Stars (UWSI) championship here on Thursday last week.

•   E-mail Article
•   Printer Friendly
•   Text-Size    

A changed Nikita, who arrived at the press meet to tender apology along with referee Stepcorino, Tiger Jeet Singh, and an organiser, M P Singh, who is the president of a Canada-based company, (UWSI), which was organising the mega event.

He sat quietly and nodded in agreement when his written apology was read out. He also gave ample opportunity to photographers to do their job this time around. Later he himself read the apology letter.

Nikita regretted the incident where he did everything wrong against media and made racial remarks against Indians. “I had uttered some indecent words which had hurt the sentiments of Indian people. I want to express my regrets towards all Indian people whom I hold in high regard,” he said.

“ India, Russia and Canada have strong political and cultural ties and I hope that this apology will help in mitigating the embarrassment caused to the Russian people due to my indecent behaviour,” the wrestler stated with folded hands.

“I have nothing but love, respect and admiration for Indians and it was a moment of frustration for me when I learnt of the indefinite postponement of the event. I came here to perform and would love to come to India and fight with Tiger Jit Singh,” he further added.

The wrestler, who presently lives in Ontario, Canada, said that he cherished Indian hospitality and food very much. An FIR was registered against Nikita on a complaint lodged by a group of journalists following the unsavoury incident. The complainants have now sought withdrawal of the FIR after he tendered an apology.

UWSI president M P Singh said, “We had a very bitter experience. I don’t feel we will be able to hold these competitions in future.”

On the other hand, NRI wrestler, Tiger Jeet Singh, was hopeful that the wrestling championship would be held in India in the future.

“I am still ready to accept the challenge which Nikita threw open to Indians. I will definitely fight against Nikita whenever I get a chance,” said Tiger.