WFI to decide final Indian Contingent for Paris Games on May 21

By
Teja Devathoti
-
25
WFI

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to finalize the selection criteria for the Indian team for the Paris Olympics on May 21. This decision is eagerly awaited by athletes and fans alike, as it will determine the composition of the team representing India at the prestigious event.

How do WFI’s trials decide Paris candidates?

India has secured six quota places for the Summer Games, with a significant contribution from women wrestlers. Aman Sehrawat is the lone male wrestler to have secured a quota in the men’s freestyle 57kg category. The women’s team, led by seasoned wrestler Vinesh Phogat (50kg), includes Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), and Reetika Hooda (76kg).

The WFI had previously announced its intention to conduct a final trial to select the wrestlers who will represent the country at the Paris Games, starting July 26. According to the criteria explained earlier, it was said that the wrestlers, who finished in the top-four at the last trials, will compete against each other, and the winner from the group will fight it out with the quota winner.

The selection committee meeting in Delhi on May 21 will include the two chief coaches in both styles (men’s freestyle and women’s). The decision of whether to proceed with trials or allow quota winners to compete directly at the Games will indeed be intriguing for the WFI selection committee.

If quota winners are cleared for competition, it could mean the end of the Paris dream for wrestlers like Ravi Dahiya (men’s 57kg) and Sarita Mor (women’s 57kg), as they would miss out on one final shot at selection. At the Tokyo Games, the four quota winners – Bajrang Punia, Deepak Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and Vinesh Phogat – were allowed to keep places in their respective categories.

There is a general feeling that trials are not required so close to the Games. Dronacharya awardee Lalit Kumar, who is the head coach at Chhatarasal Stadium in Delhi, explained why trials are not required. He stated that most of the wrestlers have qualified very recently, and their fitness and form are evident to everyone.

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