Deepak Punia Opens Up on Protest Fallout, Missed Chances and Asian Games Gold Dream

Gonda, May 12: Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia believes the prolonged disruption in Indian wrestling following the wrestlers' protest at Jantar Mantar severely impacted the growth and momentum of several athletes, including himself, due to reduced international exposure and lack of competitive opportunities.

Once regarded as India's most reliable wrestler in the 86kg category, Deepak has struggled to rediscover his peak form since narrowly missing out on an Olympic bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Since that heartbreak, his lone major podium finish remains the silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

The 26-year-old Haryana wrestler, who clinched the title at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda on Monday, is still ineligible for the May 31 Asian Games selection trials under the current Wrestling Federation of India policy, which does not consider this tournament for trial qualification.

'We Lost Valuable International Exposure'

Speaking to PTI, Deepak said the uncertainty in Indian wrestling after the wrestlers' protest disrupted athletes' preparations and denied them regular international competition.

"After 2023, many tournaments stopped because of the protest and all that happened. We did not get chances to compete abroad like we used to earlier," Deepak said.

"When you are competing internationally every second or third month, your shortcomings come out and you improve. But if you get only one World Championships or one Asian Championships in a year, there is a huge difference in performance."

In 2023, prominent Indian wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik led a high-profile protest against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

The sports ministry subsequently suspended the Wrestling Federation of India, with an ad-hoc committee taking charge for an extended period. The turmoil disrupted camps, domestic tournaments and exposure trips for wrestlers across the country. The matter remains in court.

When reminded that he too was seen at the protest site, Deepak chose not to revisit the issue.

"I would not like to dwell on those things now. Let it be," he said.

World Championship Setback and Training Issues

Deepak also linked his disappointing campaign at the 2025 World Championships - where he finished 11th after crashing out before the medal rounds - to inadequate training support and lack of quality sparring partners.

"I accept that I made mistakes in training. I did not get a sparring partner of that level before the World Championships. Sparring partners play a huge role," he admitted.

"I could not go abroad much and there was no proper camp setup there. Otherwise, I definitely believe I could have won a medal at the World Championships."

Despite the setbacks, Deepak insisted his long-term target remains unchanged - winning Asian Games gold in the 86kg division.

"My target is to change the colour of my medal at the Asian Games," he said.

Selection Trial Frustration

Ironically, despite winning the 92kg category at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Deepak currently does not qualify for the Asian Games selection trials scheduled in Lucknow on May 31.

The Asian Games features an 86kg category, while the WFI policy excludes winners from the Gonda tournament from direct trial consideration.

"I am here to earn a chance for Asian Games only, otherwise why am I here? I will request the federation to consider me," Deepak said.

'Foreign Coaches Bring Smart Work'

Reflecting on the evolving wrestling ecosystem in India, Deepak welcomed the return of foreign coaches and highlighted the difference in training philosophies.

"Our Indian coaches focus more on hard work. Foreign coaches focus more on smart work. They work on small shortcomings, mindset, nutrition and recovery," he explained.

Asked about increasing competition in the 86kg division, Deepak mentioned emerging talents such as Mukund Dahiya but maintained that his focus remains on self-improvement.

"My focus is only on my preparation and performance," he said.

Looking back at the highs and lows of recent years, Deepak admitted that certain decisions may have affected the trajectory of his career, but stressed the need to move on.

"I have to move forward and not think about Tokyo Games heartbreak," he signed off.

With inputs from PTI