NEW DELHI: The upcoming Zagreb Open in Croatia will see no Indian representation in five categories as wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Antim Panghal, and three others opt out, not providing their consent to the ad-hoc panel.
The IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel, overseeing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), announced a 13-member squad on Tuesday. However, senior Worlds bronze medalist Antim Panghal and Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia decided not to participate.
Bajrang Punia, a prominent figure in the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was the sole absentee from the men’s freestyle category. The ad-hoc panel selected Aman Sehrawat, Yash, Deepak Punia, Vicky, and Sumit Malik in the men’s category, who had participated in the Asian Games.
“We had sought the consent of the wrestlers who were part of the Asian Games squad, and only 13 gave their consent while five others didn’t,” said Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, the head of the ad-hoc panel.
Bajrang Punia cited not starting mat training after a recent thumb surgery as the reason for his absence. Antim Panghal, who had won a bronze medal at the Asian Games, opted out due to attending the national sports award ceremony where she will receive the Arjuna award.
The team for the Zagreb Open, scheduled from January 10 to 14, faced initial visa procurement issues, which were resolved with timely intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Selected Team:
– Men’s Freestyle: Aman (57kg), Yash (74kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Vicky (97kg), Sumit Malik (125kg).
– Greco-Roman: Gyanender (60kg), Neeraj (67kg), Vikas (77kg), Sunil Kumar (87kg), Narinder Cheema (97kg), Naveen (130kg).
– Women’s Freestyle: Sonam Malik (62kg) and Radhika (68kg).
Coaching and Support Staff:
– Kuldeep Singh (Team Leader and Coach), Vinod Kumar, Sujeet, Shashi Bhushan Prasad, Manoj Kumar, Virender Singh, and Alka Tomar (Coaches).
– Vishal Kumar Rai (Physiotherapist) and Neeraj (Masseur).
– Referees: Satya Dev Malik, Dinesh Dhondiba Gund, and Sanjay Kumar.
(With inputs from PTI)