Top wrestlers reach Jaipur for IOA-appointed ad hoc panel’s national championships

With two National Championships being held back-to-back in Pune and Jaipur, the Government has made it clear that it would not recognise the results from the Pune event as it was organised by the ‘suspended’ WFI.

FILE PHOTO: Vinesh Phogat at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. | Photo Credit: REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

In the backdrop of an ongoing tussle between the Union Sports Ministry and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over recognition of the latter, several top wrestlers of the country will test themselves ahead of the Olympic qualifiers when they compete in the three-day National Wrestling Championships, starting at the Railway Stadium on Saturday.

With two National Championships being held back-to-back in Pune and Jaipur, the Government has made it clear that it would not recognise the results from the Pune event as it was organised by the ‘suspended’ WFI – headed by former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s acolyte Sanjay Singh.

As the Ministry has backed the Nationals organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed ad hoc body, it was no surprise that the names of several elite wrestlers, who would need the Sports Authority of India’s funding for their Olympic preparation, featured in the list of participants.

Among them, two-time World Championship bronze medallist Vinesh Phogat (55kg)—a prominent face in the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan, who is charged with several allegations, including sexual harassment—is making a comeback after her knee surgery. As per the WFI records, Vinesh had competed in the 2019 National Championships in Jalandhar.

READ: Sports Ministry warns of legal action against suspended WFI president

Two other Worlds medallists Anshu Malik (59kg)—who has been out of action since securing a bronze in the Asian championships in April due to a knee issue—Sarita Mor (59kg), Asian championships silver medallist Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Asian Games bronze medallist Sunil Kumar (Greco Roman, 87 kg), will add quality to the field. Besides, a host of promising wrestlers who have proven themselves by medalling at World under-20 and under-23 championships, will be seen in action.

While public sector units, Services and Railways, and one faction of the Haryana unit fielded the majority of leading wrestlers in the championships, confusion prevailed in some cases as wrestlers belonging to two factions of some state units reached Jaipur to compete.

With the Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) hosting the event, excellent arrangements have been put in place by converting an open field into a makeshift indoor facility.