The National Wrestling Championships will be an occasion for the young talented wrestlers to make a mark at the big stage especially in the absence of several big names such as Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya and Sakshi Malik. All three Olympic medallists will miss the event for different reasons. Whereas World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik and Deepak Punia will also give this event a miss. Hence it is an opportunity for the others to step up and showcase their talent.
World Championships bronze medallist Narsing Yadav and Sarita Mor will be among the notable wrestlers to feature at the National Wrestling Championship which will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor stadium.
Several talented grapplers like World U-23 Champion Aman Sehrawat and World u-20 champion Antim Panghal are among the top names coming up in Indian Wrestling. They have great technique and with more experience and bouts under their belt they will only get better from here.
This event will give a clear picture of the Indian Wrestling contingent and where they stand, especially the young talented ones. It will also help the Wrestling Federation of India to form the contingent for the upcoming Asian Championship which is scheduled in March next year.
Veteran grappler Narsingh Yadav who will be in action at this event has won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi back in 2010 . The 33-year-old feels that every platform is an opportunity to prove yourself and get better. “I have always nurtured the dream of winning an Olympic medal, but it has eluded me so far. My movements became slower due to the (four-year) gap (owing to a doping suspension). But I am trying to excel and compete in the Paris Olympics,” said Narsingh.
Narsingh Yadav understands that his age is catching up and he admits that he is not winning gold medals but he feels that his perseverance to fight and his nature to grit his way past difficulties will surely fulfill his goal. “It may be hard to maintain fitness with growing age and I may not be winning gold medals as of now, but I am sure my perseverance will take me to my goal,” added Narsingh.
The WFI have waived off entry fees to allow and encourage wrestlers from underprivileged families. It surely comes as a great initiative from the Association as it allows more wrestlers to take up the sport and compete.
