Indian Wrestlers Set to Miss Asian and World Championships Due to WFI Suspension

Indian wrestlers are on the verge of missing next month’s Asian Wrestling Championship in Amman, Jordan, and subsequently the World Championship in September, as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) struggles to meet the entry deadline due to its ongoing suspension.

The deadline to submit entries for the Asian Championship, scheduled for March 25-30, is February 23. A WFI official expressed concern, saying, “It’s a sheer loss for our players. If the wrestlers don’t participate in the ranking tournaments, it will affect their seeding in big tournaments. If we fail to meet the deadline, our wrestlers won’t be allowed to compete in the World Championship either.”

The suspension of the WFI by the Sports Ministry in December 2023 has created a significant roadblock. The ministry cited non-compliance with the National Sports Code and alleged influence of former office-bearers in the newly elected body. This suspension has not only halted the federation’s operations but also made it challenging to secure funds for international competitions.

“There are many federations not affiliated with the sports ministry that still manage to generate funds,” the official added. “But when WFI approaches sponsors, they refuse, citing our suspension. We don’t need funding from the ministry; we just want to function properly.”

Indian wrestlers have already missed the Zagreb Open and the Muhamet Malo tournaments last month due to delays in government clearance. The potential absence from the Asian Championship is particularly concerning, as it serves as a mandatory qualifier for the World Championship, according to United World Wrestling (UWW).

The situation echoes a similar incident last year when India had to forfeit a spot in the women’s 49kg category at the World Cadet Championships. Reetika Hooda, India’s entry in the Asian Cadet, suffered an injury just before departure, leaving no time to arrange a visa for a replacement wrestler.

The implications are significant for a sport that has been one of India’s most consistent contributors to international success. Indian wrestlers have earned seven Olympic medals—two silver and five bronze—and 19 World Championship medals in recent times. In the previous edition of the Asian Championship, Indian grapplers clinched nine medals, including four silver.

As the February 23 deadline looms, the uncertainty surrounding the WFI’s status continues to jeopardize the dreams and preparations of India’s top wrestlers. The sports ministry has yet to comment on the issue.