Following the apology, a process has begun to withdraw the FIR registered against him. The apology letter signed by Nikita — whose real name is George Kiriakou and presently living in Ontario, Canada — was released during a press confernce here.

The Russian wrestler was accompanied by a Canadian wrestler, Steve Corino, NRI wrestler, Tiger Jeet Singh, and an organiser, M P Singh. M P Singh is the president of a Canada-based company, Universal Wrestling Stars Inc (UWSI), which was organising the mega event.

The apology letter reads: I, George Kiriakou, Nikita, hereby tender an unconditional apology to all Indians and particularly to the media of Ludhiana with whom I misbehaved during the press conference held at Hotel Park Plaza on October 25. I had uttered some indecent words targeting Indians which had hurt the sentiments of Indian people at large.”

I want to express my regrets towards all the Indian people, whom, I hold in high regard. I have great respect for India as a country. My anger on that day was due to emotional outburst resulting from sudden cancellation of wrestling matches for which I have been preparing with great enthusiasm to perform before the Indian people. I hereby take back all the indecent words uttered during the press conference and I hereby promise that in future also I will refrain from such behaviour which may intend to hurt any class of people or country,” he added.

“As a result of my unacceptable behaviour, an FIR under Indian law was registered against me. India, Russia and Canada have strong political and cultural ties and I hope that this apology will help in mitigating the embarrassment caused to Russian people due to my indecent behaviour,” said Nikita.

Before getting his signatures on the letter, the apology letter was read out to Nikita and he remained calm and held his hands folded. Later, the Russian wrestler read out the letter for the media persons present there.

After Nikita tendered an apology, the media persons, who had lodged an FIR against the wrestler, also signed a letter in which they stated that the matter has been resolved amicably as Nikita had sought an unconditional written 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.”

Unlike the UWSI president, the 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.