Factionalism in states, two nationals leave wrestlers in a tizzy

Factionalism in state units of wrestling has made life difficult for wrestlers. Take the case of Rajasthan. One trial was held in Bharatpur for the suspended WFI’s Pune Nationals held earlier this week, while a second trial at Kota was conducted by another faction for the nationals conducted by the ad-hoc committee in Jaipur. Both the trials were held on the same day.

Wrestlers selected from the Bharatpur trials participated and won medals in Pune only to later realise that the sports ministry does not recognise the nationals conducted by the suspended WFI.

At least three medals winners from the Pune Nationals have made a last minute dash to Jaipur hoping to get their names on the start list.

“When we participated in the WFI nationals at Pune we had no idea it would not be recognised. We have come directly from Pune hoping to participate in Jaipur,” said a wrestler on Saturday.

A day after the suspended WFI nationals began in Pune, the sport ministry in letter said the event was ‘unsanctioned’ and ‘unrecognised’ and only the IOA recognised adhoc committee is mandated to conduct national wrestling championships.

Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association (HAWA) too held two separate trials for the two nationals. Wrestlers who participated in the trials called by HAWA president Rohtash Singh have been fielded in Jaipur.

“These nationals in Jaipur is recognised by the sports ministry. The top wrestlers from Haryana are participating here. Those creating confusion among wrestlers should stop doing so. Pune Nationals has no validity,” Singh said.

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