In the aftermath of protests by the country’s top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, an ad hoc committee for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared the organization of U-15 and U-20 national championships within the next six weeks. The championships are scheduled to take place at Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior.
Bhupender Singh Bajwa, the chairman of the three-member panel, acknowledged the concerns raised by young wrestlers during the protest and assured a swift response. The committee aims to address the issues by organizing national championships for the U-15 and U-20 categories, fostering a proactive approach to the growth and development of wrestling in India.
Advising young wrestlers to continue their training and practice, the ad hoc committee affirmed that the U-15 and U-20 national championships would be held in February 2024 in Gwalior. Specific details about the championships will be announced soon.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns, the committee highlighted its proactive initiatives in the past week. It has already selected a 13-member Indian team for the upcoming 1st Ranking Series, Zagreb Open Wrestling tournament in Croatia from January 10 to 14. Furthermore, plans are underway for the conduct of senior national championships in February 2024.
The committee has scheduled national camps for senior wrestlers at SAI NRC Sonepat for men and SAI NSNIS Patiala for women, focusing on preparation for Olympic Qualifying tournaments and the Senior Asian Championships. The Asian Olympic Qualifiers are set to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 19-21, 2024, with the World Olympic Qualifiers following in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 9-12.
Wrestling activities in the country faced disruptions due to protests by top wrestlers against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The ad hoc committee’s swift actions aim to restore normalcy and provide a clear roadmap for the upcoming championships and training programs.
