Wrestling
Age-group Wrestling Nationals postponed, State Associations need more time
The Ad-hoc committee running wrestling in the country has decided to postpone the age-group wrestling nationals.
Representative Photo: Wrestling Mats
The Under-15 and Under-20 National Wrestling Championship, scheduled to be held in Gwalior this month has been postponed after some state associations expressed their inability to participate in the event at such short notice.
The ad-hoc committee in charge of affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India decided after taking into account the state associations' "genuine" demand.
The U-20 and U-15 women's, men's freestyle, and Greco-Roman National Wrestling Championship was scheduled to be held at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior from February 11 to 17.
"Representations from some state wrestling associations have been received to reschedule the U20 & U15 National Wrestling Championship. They have urged that in such short duration of time, they are unable to send the teams as trials for the same has not been conducted till date," Bhupender Singh Bajwa, chairman of the ad-hoc committee, WFI said in a statement.
"Also they are facing problems in necessary arrangements like traveling, playing kit, etc. Adhoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India thinks that their problems are genuine and has decided to postpone the U20 & U15 National Wrestling Championship, scheduled at Gwalior from 11th -17th February 2024.
"Once decided, revised schedule and location, if any for organizing the U20 & U15 Free Style, Greco Roman Style, and Women National Wrestling Championship will be advised," he added.
The wrestling ad-hoc committee on Tuesday directed all state associations to send entries for the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Gwalior, failing which a three-member panel will short-list competitors from the erring states.
"If no entry is received from a particular State Wrestling Association well within the given time, a three-member committee will send the entries for the participation of their concerned state," the committee said in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement added that the Nationals being organised by the ad-hoc panel are the only sanctioned tournaments and medal winners can get all the government benefits only by competing in them.
