TOPS sanctions extension of Bajrang Punia’s USA camp by one month

Punia had already been training in the USA from December 4 and had travelled there with his coach Emzarios Bentinidis and physio Dhananjay. The training camp will go on till the first week of February.

India wrestler Bajrang Punia during a bout.

Ace wrestler Bajrang Punia will continue to train in the USA for one more month. The Mission Olympic Cell has approved extension of his training at Cliff Kean Wrestling Club in Michigan for additional one month at an approximate cost of Rs 11.65 lakh, according to a statement from the Sports Ministry on Tuesday.

“All facilities are available here. I am getting good sparring partners. I am getting access to everything I need to improve my level,” said Bajrang, who has earned a Tokyo Olympics quota place in 65kg.

“In India, I normally train with wrestlers from 74kg and 79kg categories. Here I am getting to train with those from my own weight category.”

Bajrang, who has been training in the USA from December 4 with the support of his coach Shako Bentinidis and physio Dhananjay, will train in Michigan till the first week of February.

Bajrang is planning to return to competition in the Rome Ranking Series event in March followed by the Asian championships in Kazakhstan.