WFI Gives Wrestlers Choice Between U23 and Senior World Championships Ahead Of Trials

New Delhi, August 28: Wrestlers including Hansika Lamba, Nishu and Neha Sharma will have to choose between the U23 World Wrestling Championships and the Senior World Championships this year after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) decided to field separate teams for the two events because of the short gap between them.

The U23 World Championships will be held in the USA from October 12 to 18, while the Senior World Championships are scheduled in Kazakhstan from October 24 to November 1. India's top men's freestyle wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, who won gold at the U23 World Championships in Serbia, has already opted to compete at the senior event.

Several other promising wrestlers are eligible for both competitions. Hansika, competing in the 53kg category, won a silver medal in Serbia, while Nishu (55kg) and Neha (57kg) claimed bronze medals. Srishti (68kg) and Priya (76kg) also won bronze medals and can compete in trials for both events.

WFI Says Decision Taken in "Interest of Wrestlers"

The federation has ruled that wrestlers selected through the U23 selection trials on August 31 and September 1 will represent India at the U23 World Championships and will not be eligible to participate in the selection trials for the senior Worlds.

"The gap between the U23 Senior World Wrestling Championship and the Senior World Wrestling Championship is very short," the WFI said in its circular.

The federation said the decision was taken "in the interest of the wrestlers" and to ensure adequate preparation and performance by India's teams at both championships.
Separate squads will therefore be selected for the two global events, giving wrestlers a clear pathway to prepare for their respective competitions without the demands of competing at both.

The circular was issued by WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh and sent to officials of the Sports Authority of India, affiliated wrestling units and the federation's chief coaches.
Traditionally, India's leading U23 wrestlers often use the age-group Worlds to gain valuable experience before making the transition to senior competition. However, the unusually short gap between this year's championships has forced the federation to adopt a different approach.

The upcoming U23 trials will therefore carry added significance, with eligible wrestlers needing to decide whether to pursue an age-group World medal or target the senior international stage later in October.