Ad-hoc panel plans to conduct U-15, U-20 Wrestling Nationals in February

As per the sports ministry's request, the three-member panel created by IOA is planning to organise the U-15 and U-20 wrestling championships within the next 40 days in Gwalior. This is happening after hundreds of junior wrestlers assembled at Jantar Mantar for a symbolic three-hour protest against the loss of one crucial year of their careers, blaming top grapplers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat.

New Delhi: The Ad-hoc panel for wrestling, created by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is planning to conduct the national championships for the U-15 and U-20 categories within the next 6 weeks at Lakshmibai National Institute Of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior.

"Scheduling the conduct of the senior national championships in February 2024. Organization of national camps for senior wrestlers at SAI NRC Sonepat for men and SAI NSNIS Patiala for women, for preparation for the Olympic Qualifying tournaments and the Senior Asian Championships,” the Committee stated.

"The Asian Olympic Qualifiers are scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 19-21, 2024, while the World Olympic Qualifiers are set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 9-12.”

The Committee positively considered the concerns raised by the young wrestlers and "is committed to addressing the issues".

"Through its comprehensive and targeted efforts, the Ad Hoc Committee reaffirms its full commitment to the growth and development of wrestling in India, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance.

"Once again, the Committee reassures the young wrestlers that the U-15 and U-20 national championships will be held in February 2024, at LNIPE, Gwalior, for which the details will be announced soon. The young wrestlers are advised to continue training and practicing for these events," it said.

Earlier, on Wednesday, junior wrestlers staged a protest against seniors Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik in Delhi at the Jantar Mantar. The upset grapplers demanded action against the trio "for hampering the progress of wrestling in India".

For the record, the wrestlers didn't get a chance to participate in national games because of the protest led by Bajrang, Sakshi, and Vinesh against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh leveling serious allegations of sexual harassment against him. Several young wrestlers gathered at the Jantar Mantar, demanding action and United World Wrestling (UWW) intervention into the ongoing issue.

Read More