The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is preparing to resume the senior National camp after a hiatus of almost 15 months. This revival comes amid a significant venue change, with Delhi likely to replace Patiala due to the ongoing farmers' protest.
The WFI-organized National camps had been put on hold since January 2023, following allegations of sexual harassment against then WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by three elite wrestlers, which caused a setback to Indian wrestling.
The National camp is set to commence soon after the trials, scheduled at the IG Stadium in Delhi on March 10 and 11. The ad-hoc panel, entrusted with managing day-to-day affairs during WFI's suspension, had initiated training camps for men in Rohtak and for women in Patiala after conducting their own Nationals in Jaipur.
With the lifting of the suspension by United World Wrestling (UWW), the WFI announced trials to select the national teams for the upcoming Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek and the Continental Olympic Qualifier in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek.
"After conducting these trials, the top four in each category will be invited to join the National camp," stated WFI president Sanjay Singh. However, the venues for the camps are yet to be finalized.
The SAI centers in Sonepat are likely to host the men's camp, while the IG Stadium in Delhi may accommodate the women's camp. Given the current restrictions on movement in Punjab due to the ongoing protests, Patiala is deemed less accessible, prompting a potential shift to Delhi.
The upcoming trials will feature the top performers from the recently concluded Nationals in Jaipur and Pune. Additionally, wrestlers who did not participate in either Nationals but have shown promising performances will also have the opportunity to compete.
Furthermore, the WFI plans to conduct the U15 and U20 Nationals in Noida from March 28 to 30. Winners, finalists, and semifinalists from these tournaments will subsequently be invited to join the National camp, ensuring a comprehensive talent pool for the future of Indian wrestling.
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