- WFI will conduct selection trials on March 15 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi.
- Asian Championships are set to take place from March 25-30 in Amman, Jordan.
- The trials mark the first under the new WFI administration since its suspension.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced selection trials for the upcoming Asian Wrestling Championships, scheduled to be held on March 15 in Delhi. This decision follows the recent reinstatement of WFI’s status as a National Sports Federation (NSF), after months of suspension due to internal disputes and legal battles involving protesting wrestlers.
With the federation now back in action, wrestlers from across the country will compete in the trials to earn a spot in the national team. The trials will include weigh-ins for all categories—men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman—with a 2kg weight relaxation for participants.
India Gears Up for Asian Wrestling Championships
The WFI’s suspension in December 2023 prevented it from holding national team selections, causing uncertainty among wrestlers. The controversy stemmed from protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, with wrestlers challenging the federation’s legitimacy in court. Now, with new leadership and structural reforms in place, WFI is moving forward with its operations.
The upcoming Asian Championships in Amman, Jordan, will be a major test for Indian wrestlers as they aim to reclaim their dominance on the continental stage. The selection trials will be critical in ensuring that the country sends its best athletes to the tournament. With the trials set for March 15, competitors will have limited time to prepare and make weight.
This event also signifies a fresh start for WFI, as it aims to rebuild trust among athletes and stakeholders. The federation has taken steps to distance itself from past controversies, including shifting its headquarters from the premises of Brij Bhushan. These measures are intended to ensure transparency and fairness in team selections.
As Indian wrestling moves past recent turmoil, the focus now shifts to performance and preparation. With a new leadership structure in place, the trials will serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of the sport in India. The selected wrestlers will not only represent the nation at the Asian Championships but also set the tone for upcoming international competitions.
The WFI’s return to organizing national team trials marks a turning point for Indian wrestling. With a renewed system in place, the federation looks to re-establish stability and credibility while ensuring that India fields a strong contingent for the Asian Championships.
“Adversity is the first path to truth.” – Lord Byron
