Sports ministry clears participation of Indian wrestlers in World C'ships

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports cleared the participation of Indian wrestlers at the World Championships, to be held in Tirana, Albania from October 28-31, after the 12 selected wrestlers staged a protest outside the residence of sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday.

The Indian contingent will leave for Tirana on Sunday.

The ministry's decision to approve the wrestlers' participation in the senior Worlds was a huge relief for the 12 wrestlers. They are now set to compete at the World Championships. The wrestlers and their parents met Mandaviya at his residence in the morning following the uncertainty over their participation.

“A group of wrestlers met me and apprised me of the issue and their concern. I gave the direction that the court matter will continue in court but the wrestlers must compete in World Championships. They should get this opportunity. Whatever and wherever I needed to speak, I have done that,” Mandaviya told reporters after a meeting with the wrestlers and their parents.

WFI remains suspended by ministry

The wrestlers and their parents sought Mandaviya's intervention a day after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) withdrew all three Indian teams from the prestigious Championships, with federation president Sanjay Singh citing the sports ministry's continued “interference in its autonomy.”

Singh has recently written to the United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic, saying the Sports Ministry “continues to interfere in the autonomy of the WFI.

Meanwhile, in a further blow to the WFI, wrestler Satyawart Kadian, husband of Sakshi Malik, moved the court against the federation’s decision to conduct trials for the U23 and senior Worlds.

Kadian argued that since the WFI was suspended, it was not authorised to select the team or hold trials. The WFI remains out of favour despite the world governing body of wrestling UWW has lifted the suspension of the WFI in February this year.

The selected wrestlers and their parents met Mandaviya along with WFI president Singh. The interaction lasted about an hour.

Talking about their interaction with their minister, Singh said, "We discussed the issue with the minister, who assured us that they will take responsibility if a contempt charge is levelled on the federation and cleared the participation of the team. Tickets have already been booked and the team will depart as scheduled on Sunday morning."

Asked whether the government has also assured of lifting the suspension, Sanjay said, “The ministry has said it will review it. It may take a month or so.”

Mandaviya, however, gave a vague answer. ”The government is clear, all federations can work as they want, the government only helps them. Sports should grow in the country and our players should do well both at national and international level,” he said.

Indian wrestling contingent for World Championships:

Women's team

Mansha Bhanwala (65kg), Mansi Ahlawat (59kg), Kirti (55kg, Bipasha (72kg)

Men's team

Udit (61kg), Manish Goswami (70kg), Parvinder Singh (79kg), Sandeep Mann (92kg)

Greco-Roman team

Sanjeev (55kg), Chetan (63kg), Ankit Gulia (72kg), Rohit Dahiya (82kg)