COVID-19 affects Indian sports: Amid the rising COVID-19 cases across the country, two national competitions have been affected. The Weightlifting nationals set to begin from January 8 has been postponed while the 1st Open National Ranking Tournament in wrestling has been shifted away from the national capital. Follow updates on InsideSport.IN
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) had planned to conduct the nationals in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 20. But due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Odisha government informed the federation about postponing the event.
And the IWLF has confirmed that it has now decided to conduct the nationals in sub-junior, junior and senior category from March 20-29.
The nationals is likely to be Mirabai Chanu’s return to competition post the Tokyo Olympics. It remains to be seen if the likes of Jeremy Lalrinnunga (67kg) and Achinta Sheuli (73kg), take part in the competition. Both won a gold medal each in their respective weight categories at the Commonwealth Championships thus qualifying for the Commonwealth Games.
Wrestling meet now in UP
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was planning to host its first-ever ranking tournament, which will be open to all wrestlers on paying a prescribed entry fee. The meet was scheduled to be held at the IG Stadium.
But due to rising COVID-19 cases and restrictions being imposed in Delhi, WFI have decided to shift the meet to Nandini Nagar, Gonda (Uttar Pradesh). The recent nationals was also held there and hence WFI decided the venue was fit for the occasion.
“Due to restrictions in Delhi, we had no choice but to shift the tournament. We have received many entries which is a good sign and Gonda has the facilities to host the event as we did the last nationals there,” a WFI official informed.
The three-day national ranking competition was supposed to be held here at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex. The WFI will select elite wrestlers during the national ranking tournament for upcoming international competitions.
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