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India rejoiced when Yogeshwar Dutt’s bronze medal was upgraded to a silver medal. This was because the 2012 silver medallist, Besik Kudokhov from Russia tested positive for a banned substance.

The Russian wrestler died in a car crash in 2013. His urine samples were retested after his death. Thus, because of this positive doping result, Yogeshwar Dutt got an automatic medal upgrade.

In a gesture that reflects his goodwill and sportsman spirit, Yogeshwar Dutt wants Kudokhov’s family to keep the silver medal as it would be respectful to them.

अगर हो सके तो ये मेडल उन्ही के पास रहने दिया जाए। उनके परिवार के लिए भी सम्मानपूर्ण होगा। मेरे लिए मानवीय संवेदना सर्वोपरि है। — Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) August 31, 2016

“If possible let his family keep the medal. It will be respectful for his family. Human compassion is most important for me.”

He went on to say that Kudokhov is a fantastic wrestler

Besik Kudukhov शानदार पहलवान थे। उनका मृत्यु के पश्चात dope test में fail हो जाना दुखद हैं। मैं खिलाड़ी के रूप में उनका सम्मान करता हूँ। — Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) August 31, 2016

“Besik Kudokhov is a fantastic wrestler. It’s sad that he failed the dope test. As a wrestler, I respect him.”

It takes an immense amount of respect and selflessness to say no to a medal that actually belongs to you. It is not as if he had to fight in the court to win it.

Kudokhov failed his dope test, a tainted athlete and yet Yogeshwar Dutt spoke only good things about him and let his family keep the medal.

If this is not the true Olympic spirit, we do not know what it.

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News Source – The Times Of India