Wrestling Trials Mess: Indian Wrestlers Left Confused Months Ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

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Indian wrestlers aspiring to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024 were left in a state of confusion after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday announced the dates for the combined qualifiers for the Olympics and Asian Championships.

The ad hoc committee has also set the trials for March 10-11 in Patiala for men and Sonipat for women; making it confusing for wrestlers to determine which wrestling trials they must participate in.

According to the recent circular released by WFI president Sanjay Singh, the trials are set to take place on March 10-11 at the IG Stadium in New Delhi. These trials aim to finalise the squad for the upcoming Asian Championships in Bishkek (scheduled for April 11-16) and the Asia qualifier for the Paris Olympics (scheduled for April 19-21).

"This is an important year for us, and we want to compete in the Paris Olympics, but we are confused about which selection trials we should participate in," said a decorated wrestler to MyKhel.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reinstated WFI, although it remains suspended by the sports ministry. The administration of wrestling in the country is currently overseen by an ad-hoc committee of the Indian Olympic Association on the direction of the sports ministry.

The decision by the world wrestling body implies that entries for international tournaments and Olympic qualifiers will be accepted through WFI. The sports ministry has remained silent since the reinstatement of the national body by UWW on February 13. Wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, have expressed their intent to resume their protest if WFI, led by Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, regains power.

Bajrang Punia is currently training in the USA, Vinesh Phogat participated in the Senior National Wrestling Championship in Jaipur earlier this month, where she won a gold medal in the 55 Kg category, and Sakshi Malik retired from wrestling after Sanjay Singh won the WFI election.

A few days ago, MyKhel spoke to WFI President Sanjay Singh about inviting Bajrang, Vinesh, and Sakshi for the selection trials.

"I have no personal enmity with any athlete; all the athletes are like my children. I welcome everyone, and I will also invite Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik to the trials. I am sending them emails, and I will also call them. WFI will invite these three for trials. I have not spoken to anyone yet; I will send them emails."

The national camp, started by the ad hoc committee on February 9 at Sonipat (men) and Patiala (women), will continue until March 31 in preparation for the Paris Olympics qualifiers.

Confusion arose among wrestlers as two distinct senior national events were conducted: one in Pune by the WFI and another in Jaipur by an ad hoc committee. Many wrestlers ended up participating in both events, which were held within a week of each other.

As of now, the sole Indian athlete to secure an Olympic quota place is Antim Panghal, competing in the 53 Kg category. The ad hoc committee granted her a direct entry to the Asian Championships.