Young wrestlers accuse Sakshi, Vinesh Phogat of ruining wrestling

New Delhi, January 3: Young wrestlers staged a protest in Delhi against veteran wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, accusing them of disrupting wrestling activities and adversely impacting the future of aspiring athletes. Demonstrators, comprising hundreds of young wrestlers, gathered in the national capital, condemning the actions of the veteran wrestlers. Holding placards denouncing Bajrang, Vinesh, and Sakshi, they voiced concerns about the detrimental effect these athletes have had on the state of wrestling in the country.

Nidhi, one of the protesters, expressed grievances, saying, "These individuals wanted to influence the federation according to their preferences. Despite elections being conducted and specific assurances made, they contested the results, claiming bias. Their actions have negatively impacted the wrestling community and the prospects of our youth who dedicate tremendous effort and sacrifice for the sport. It's disheartening to witness their relentless efforts to disrupt the normal course of games."

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Meanwhile, the ad hoc committee for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced plans for the National Coaching Camp for senior wrestlers, focusing on preparations for upcoming tournaments. The Senior National Championships are scheduled to be held in Jaipur from February 2 to 5, encompassing various wrestling categories. Following this championship, a National Coaching Camp will commence, aiming to groom medalist wrestlers across different weight divisions for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The NCC aims to prepare athletes for significant qualifying tournaments, including the 2024 Asian Qualification Tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and the 2024 World Qualification Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey. The Union Sports Ministry had earlier suspended the Wrestling Federation of India, prompting the formation of an ad hoc committee by the Indian Olympic Association to oversee the sport's affairs.

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