WFI to hold fresh trials for Olympic Qualifiers after disastrous results in Bishshek

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced that it will conduct fresh trials for the World Qualifiers. This decision comes in the wake of a disappointing performance by the Indian men’s team at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers.

Out of 18 possible quota places, India has secured only four, all through women wrestlers. The quota winners include Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), and Reetika (76kg). The men’s freestyle wrestlers, including Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Sujeet (65kg), Jaideep (74kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Deepak (97kg), and Sumit (125kg), failed to book a single Paris 2024 quota.

WFI’s Trails for Olympic Qualifiers

The WFI will conduct trials in all 14 categories where quotas have not been secured. These include two in women (68kg, 62kg) and six each in men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. The trials are expected to be held in either the last week of April or the first week of May.

The World Qualifiers, starting May 9 in Turkey, will be a tougher task compared to the Asian Qualifiers held in Bishkek. The WFI’s move to hold fresh trials underscores the urgency for course correction ahead of these all-important World Qualifiers.

WFI President Sanjay Singh discussed the performance with India’s coaches and selection committee members. They agreed that the performance was below par and unacceptable. It has never happened that India has struggled to get a quota even in freestyle.

This decision by the WFI is a clear indication of their commitment to improving the performance of the Indian wrestling contingent. It also highlights the high standards that the federation has set for its athletes. The upcoming trials will be a crucial juncture for Indian wrestling, determining the final team that will represent the country in the World Qualifiers.

Also Read: India earns first Olympic quota courtesy Balraj Panwar who secures Bronze at Asian and Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta