Coach Nikhil Kundar Defends Arbitration Outcome Amid Corruption Allegations

Following the disputed semi‑final result, Sucheta Taryal’s coach Nikhil Kundar addressed the media to explain the arbitration process. Kundar clarified that the review panel found no decisive winner, which automatically triggered the AMMA rule that awards the bout to the lighter athlete.

He stressed that the arbitration was conducted according to the federation’s established procedures and that there was no evidence of tampering. Kundar also outlined the two options available to the Singaporean team after the draw: either to request a counter‑arbitration or to accept the weight‑based decision.

While acknowledging the emotional impact on the athlete, Kundar urged the community to respect the rulebook and avoid unfounded accusations. He called for a systematic review of the weight‑criteria clause to prevent similar disputes in future competitions.

The coach’s statements have been met with mixed reactions, with some supporters praising his composure and others demanding a more thorough investigation into the alleged bias.