Russian wrestler Nikita apologises to media

Russian wrestler Nikita, who had roughed up journalists on Thursday following the cancellation of a wrestling championship, today apologised for his behaviour at a press conference here today.Expressing his regret over the incident, Pure Muscleman Nikita said that he acted that way out of frustration.

Ludhiana, Oct 28 : Russian wrestler Nikita, who had roughed up journalists on Thursday following the cancellation of a wrestling championship, today apologised for his behaviour at a press conference here today.Expressing his regret over the incident, 'Pure Muscleman' Nikita said that he acted that way out of frustration.

"I have deep respect and admiration for the people in India. We only came here to perform. It was my childhood dream to come to India and as wrestlers we are lucky to travel all over the world. When I heard that I had a chance to come here and show my abilities before such a great audience, I was excited. I felt let down when the tournament was cancelled. I acted that way out of frustration," he said.

"But, please I beg you that I have nothing, but love, respect and admiration for the people in India and of course for the media," Nikita added.

Expressing his desire to perform in India, he said: "I hope that the people of India will welcome me back, so that me and Tiger Jeet Singh can fight in the ring."

He was full of appreciation for the hospitality shown during his stay at the Hotel Park Plaza in Ludhiana.

The Universal Wrestling Stars Inc. (UWSI), a company based in Canada, had recently announced that it would be organising its international wrestling championship 'India vs. Rest of the World - War of Legends' at Patiala, in addition to the scheduled venues of Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

The championship was to be held at the Polo Grounds on October 28. The tickets for the championship were priced at Rs 250, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

Dozens of wrestlers were invited to take part in the event, which was deferred because of unexplained "technical problems".

Nikita had badmouthed and manhandled journalists at a press conference called to announce the cancellation of the tournament in Ludhiana on October 25.

Nikita was so furious that he took off his shirt and flexed his muscles.

Several other foreign wrestlers joined Nikita and started throwing tables at reporters. The police had to intervene to being the situation under control.

The USP of this championship was that globally acclaimed Indian wrestling stars like 'King of all Wrestlers' Tiger Jeet Singh, former WWF and WWE wrestling superstar Tiger Ali Singh were to take on wrestlers from all over the world including the invincible 'The Giant', the uncontrollable Killer Pane, Mountain of a Man Yokozuna, the Ultimate Fighting Champion Wolfgang, the 'King of the Old School' Steve Corino, Nikita and the "Stunning" Jerry Lynn.

ANI