Three wrestlers — Narsingh Yadav (74 Kg), Gurpreet Singh (82 Kg) and Divya Kakran (68 Kg) — were excluded from the list of wrestlers who would participate in the Individual World Cup in Belgrade, as they had tested positive for COVID-19 virus.
However, according to reports, India’s official entry for the competition has their names in it and they will be cleared to participate if they test COVID-19 negative in the coming days.
“I underwent a test today (Thursday) and the report is expected on Friday. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) told me that I will board the flight if the result comes negative,” Gurpreet told The New Indian Express.
Narsingh told the same to the media outlet and even Vinod Tomar, WFI’s assistant secretary confirmed this, “Narsingh and Gurpreet will compete if they are negative. Divya will not travel to Serbia and no replacement has been named in her category.”
The contingent travelling to Belgrade includes 42 individuals (24 wrestlers, 9 coaches, 3 support staff and 3 referees). It is mandatory for all of them to produce a COVID-19 negative certificate 72 hours prior to their departure.
Ravi Dahiya (57kg, freestyle), Deepak Punia (86kg, freestyle) and Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik (65kg, women’s wrestling) are some of the big names travelling with the contingent. While Ravi and Deepak have already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, star wrestlers Bajrang Punia (65 Kg) and Vinesh Phogat (53 Kg) have decided to skip this event in order to prepare themselves better for the Olympics.
According to a statement issued by the Sports Authority of India, the overall cost sanctioned by the government for participation in Belgrade stands at Rs. 90 Lakh and it includes tickets, boarding and lodging, United World Wrestling licence fees, visa fees and out of pocket allowances.
India squad
Men’s freestyle: Ravi Kumar (57kg), Rahul Aware (61kg), Naveen (70kg), Gourav
Baliyan (79kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Satyavart Kadian (97kg), Sumit (125kg).
Greco-Roman: Arjun Halakurki (55kg), Gyanender (60kg), Sachin Rana (63kg), Ashu
(67kg), Aditya Kundu (72kg), Sajan (77kg), Sunil Kumar (87kg), Hardeep (97kg),
Naveen (130kg).
Women’s: Nirmala Devi (50kg), Pinki (55kg), Anshu (57kg), Sarita (59kg), Sonam
(62kg), Sakshi Malik (65kg), Gursharan Preet Kaur (72kg), Kiran (76kg).
