Aman Sehrawat and Indian Wrestlers Await Sports Ministry's Approval for Zagreb Open Ranking Series 2025

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With the Zagreb Open Ranking Series 2025, the first competition of the season sanctioned by United World Wrestling (UWW), set to kick off on February 5 in Croatia, Indian wrestlers, including Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat, are anxiously waiting as the Sports Ministry has yet to approve the national squad.

“We have been verbally informed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that the team will travel on February 2 or 3. We are training with the Croatian competition in mind,” said a wrestling coach from Haryana.

“But, as of today (Thursday), we don’t have anything in writing.” Three female wrestlers from his training centre have been shortlisted for the Zagreb Open, scheduled from February 5 to 9. The lack of international exposure could cost Indian wrestlers valuable global ranking points. Notably, Zagreb will also host the 2025 Senior World Championship in September.

Skipping the season-opening ranking series would put Indian wrestlers at a disadvantage, as lower global rankings could affect fixture placements for the World Championship. “We are working hard and hope the Sports Ministry gives the green light to the team,” the coach added.

Gold medalists from the National Wrestling Championships held in Bengaluru across all three formats, including Greco-Roman, were shortlisted for the Croatian Ranking Series. However, the Sports Ministry’s delay in clearing the contingent has stalled the visa application process. “Applying for a Croatian visa generally takes two weeks. If the team is approved next week, we may need the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and expedite the process through the Croatian Embassy in Delhi,” said an official familiar with the matter.

For the Ranking Series, wrestlers are allowed a two-kilogram weight relaxation, reducing the pressure of weight management for the selected athletes.

Wrestling, which has brought India Olympic medals since the 2008 Beijing Games, has recently faced challenges. During the senior national championships in Bengaluru in December 2024, the Indian Railways withdrew from the event, citing its lack of recognition by the Sports Ministry. This decision barred several star wrestlers, including Paris Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat, from participating in the upcoming National Games in Uttarakhand.

Team for Zagreb Open:

Men’s Freestyle:

Rahul (57 kg), Aman (57 kg), Pankaj (61 kg), Sidharth (65 kg), Anuj Kumar (70 kg), Jaideep (74 kg), Amit (79 kg), Mukul Dahiya (86 kg), Sachin (92 kg), Sahil (97 kg), Dinesh (125 kg).

Men’s Greco-Roman:

Lalit (55 kg), Pravesh (60 kg), Umesh (63 kg), Vinavak Siddeshwar Patil (67 kg), Ankit Gulia (72 kg), Karan (77 kg), Aman Kumar (82 kg), Sunil Kumar (87 kg), Sonu (97 kg), Uttam Rana (130 kg).

Women’s Freestyle:

Shivanee Pawar (50 kg), Jyoti (53 kg), Meenakshi (55 kg), Tapasya (57 kg), Anjali (59 kg), Bhagyashree (62 kg), Manisha (65 kg), Radhika (68 kg), Priyanka (72 kg), Priya (76 kg).