The sports ministry has agreed to the wrestlers’ request to send an Indian team to the Asian Championships. Reports say that the team will be chosen through a ‘talent hunt’ for the tournament. A sports ministry official assured the Hindustan Times that the athletes’ interests will be protected and confirmed that India will definitely participate in the Asian Championships.
Why Asian Championships is important?
The Asian Championships are important for the players from an eye for qualification in the World Championship. Now, the Asian Championships will be held in Amman, Jordan from March 25th to 30th. This will be the first competition of the year for Indian wrestlers, who have already missed two ranking series tournaments due to non-approval from the sports ministry.
Team selection according to sports ministry
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had previously submitted the names of wrestlers for these ranking series for approval. However, the ministry instructed WFI to select the team by following the proper procedures. Although the deadline for entries was March 5, there is still a window to make changes to the squad until March 18.
Talent Hunt in Jalandhar and Delhi
The selection process will start from Jalandhar, Punjab, where the WFI will host the Federation Cup on March 8 and 9. Top wrestlers like Antim Panghal, Udit, and Sujeet Kalkal are expected to compete there. The top three finishers from each weight category in the Federation Cup, along with national championship medalists, will take part in a ‘talent hunt’. This will take place on March 11 and 12 at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, where the final team for the Asian Championships will be selected. According to Sanjay Singh, the WFI president, there will be 4-6 wrestlers in each weight category across freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s events.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
RCB vs RR Live Score, IPL 2025: Hazlewood removes Hetmyer, RR need 40 off 18
Top Stories
