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India's wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India's hopes in the men's freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.In the women's division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India's most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.India's wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women's 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 53kg (Antim Panghal)* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men's freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women's 57kg (Anshu Malik)* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 76kg (Reetika Hooda)The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.

Anshu Malik, India's 57kg wrestling sensation, is honing her skills in the hallowed halls of Nippon Sports Science University in Yokohama, Japan. Under the watchful eyes of legendary wrestlers Kaori Icho and Chikara Tanabe, Anshu is sparring with Japan's elite wrestlers, seeking to elevate her technique and prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.After three hours of intense sparring with world champions like Yui Sasaki, Akari Fujinami, and Tsugumi Sakurai, Anshu takes a brief respite before returning for a second session of grueling training. The Land of the Rising Sun has become a crucible for Anshu's growth, inspiring her to reach new heights in her young career.At 22, Anshu has already made her mark as an Olympian and a World Championships silver medalist. However, she is determined to make a splash in Paris and prove her mettle on the global stage. "I have improved a lot from Tokyo," she says. "In Tokyo, I was a teenager with technical deficiencies. I have matured as a wrestler in these three years."This is Anshu's third training stint at Japan's invitation-only facility, which has produced some of the country's greatest wrestling talents. The world-class guidance has been invaluable, as evidenced by her impressive performance at the Olympic qualifier selection trial in Patiala.Anshu's 57kg division is one of the most competitive in the world. Her major challengers include Nigeria's Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye, Moldova's Anastasia Nichita, and USA's Helen Maroulis. "I have competed against them and my bouts have always been close," she says. "I understand their gameplan well. Ultimately, it will boil down to that particular day."Off the mat, Anshu enjoys cooking as a therapeutic hobby. She also credits her father, Dharamvir Malik, for her unwavering support and relentless training. "Since the day we first stepped on the mat, papa told me to think of him as an enemy," she says. "He shows no mercy, gives no respite. Off the mat, he is a friend with whom I can share everything."Anshu's journey to the Paris Olympics is filled with both challenges and opportunities. With her unwavering determination and the support of her mentors, she is poised to make a mark on the world stage and bring glory to India.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed concerns over the lack of preparatory camps for wrestlers bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a letter to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), WFI president Sanjay Singh has requested medical tests and fitness assessments for the six qualified wrestlers.Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring optimal health and fitness for the athletes before the Games. He stated that the federation will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained due to the absence of sanctioned preparatory camps.The six wrestlers who have qualified for the Olympics are Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, Nisha Dahiya, and Aman Sehrawat. They have been training independently at their respective academies or abroad under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).However, the lack of a national camp has hindered the assessment of their fitness levels. Wrestling national coaches have informed WFI that they are unable to evaluate the fitness of some wrestlers.The case of Anshu Malik, who reportedly suffered a shoulder strain during training, prompted WFI to write to TOPS. Malik was admitted to a hospital, but WFI was not initially informed. The federation received contradictory reports on her fitness, leading to concerns about her preparation for the Olympics.WFI has also forwarded requests from wrestlers to take their coaches and support staff to the Games for IOA's consideration. Currently, only Vinesh Phogat's personal physio has been cleared by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The lack of preparatory camps and the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of some wrestlers have raised concerns within the WFI. The federation is urging SAI to address these issues to ensure that the wrestlers are adequately prepared for the upcoming Olympics.

Antim Panghal, India's rising wrestling star, is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 19-year-old prodigy is expected to be a medal contender in the 53 kg weight category, carrying the hopes of her nation on her shoulders.Panghal's journey began at the tender age of 10, inspired by her elder sister, a kabaddi player. Encouraged by her sibling, she embarked on a path that would lead her to unprecedented heights in Indian wrestling. In an exclusive interview with JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Panghal shared her remarkable story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.Reflecting on her early days, Panghal admitted to experiencing nerves before stepping onto the mat. However, once the competition commenced, her fears dissipated, replaced by an unwavering determination to fight and win. The two-time Junior World Champion's journey took a pivotal turn at the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials. A disappointing loss to Vinesh Phogat ignited a fire within her, propelling her to work harder than ever before."The loss at the trial for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Vinesh Phogat was tough, but it motivated me to work harder," Panghal said. "I went on to win a gold at the Junior World Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to do so, and later won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships. My life changed after the 2022 Commonwealth Games."Panghal emphasized the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. "If I lose a match, I don't dwell on it," she said. "I motivate myself to do better and move on. I believe that the Almighty has a better plan for me, and there are lessons to be learned from my losses."Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Panghal aspires to emulate Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic wrestling medallist. "The country has placed its faith in me, and I want to live up to their expectations," she said. "Once I set my mind on something, I ensure it gets done."Panghal's achievements are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. She has created history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in 2022 and 2023. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games, and a silver at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Antim Panghal is determined to make her mark on the world stage. With her unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, she is poised to become a symbol of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Nisha Dahiya's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by resilience and determination. After a severe collarbone injury in 2022, she spent months in recovery, determined to qualify for the Games.Her unwavering spirit led her to the World Qualifiers in May, where she secured her spot in the 68kg category. This triumph came after a career plagued by injuries, a doping ban, and a mistaken identity that falsely announced her death.Nisha's Olympic dream began a decade ago, inspired by Sakshi Malik's Commonwealth Games medal. Despite setbacks, she persevered, winning bronze at the U-23 World Championships and silver at the Asian Championships.Injuries have been a constant challenge, but Nisha's unwavering belief in her abilities has kept her going. She credits her physio from Reliance Foundation for her recovery and her move to the Inspire Institute of Sports for her improved training.Under the guidance of Iranian coach Amir Tavakolian, Nisha has honed her defensive skills and mental strength. She recently trained in Hungary, sparring with world-class wrestlers to overcome her initial hesitation.Sakshi Malik remains a source of support, offering encouragement and advice. Nisha's determination and the support of her team have fueled her journey to the Paris Olympics, where she aims to make her mark on the world stage.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has made a triumphant start to her Olympic preparations, capturing the women's 50kg gold medal at the Grand Prix of Spain in Madrid. The victory marks a significant milestone in Phogat's journey towards the Paris Olympics in 2024.Phogat, a two-time World Championship bronze medalist, showcased her dominance throughout the tournament. In the final, she faced Mariia Tiumerekova, a former Russian wrestler now competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete. Phogat displayed her superior technique and determination, securing a 10-5 victory to claim the gold medal.The road to the final was equally impressive for Phogat. She began her campaign with a convincing 12-4 points victory over Pan American champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba. In the quarterfinals, she registered a win by fall against Madison Parks of Canada, a silver medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Phogat's semifinal bout against another Canadian, Katie Dutchak, was equally dominant, as she emerged victorious with a 9-4 points margin.Phogat's triumph in Madrid is a testament to her unwavering commitment and hard work. The 29-year-old former Asian Games gold medalist has been training relentlessly in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Her victory in Spain provides a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum as she gears up for the biggest stage in sports.After her successful outing in Spain, Phogat will travel to France for a 20-day training stint. This training camp will serve as a crucial step in her preparations for the Paris Games, where she will aim to add an Olympic medal to her impressive resume.

The Indian sporting landscape is witnessing a growing trend of elite athletes opting for personalized training under personal coaches, breaking away from the traditional national set-up. This shift is evident across various sports, including shooting, wrestling, athletics, table tennis, badminton, and boxing.Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu, and world championship medalist Vinesh Phogat are among the prominent athletes who have embraced this approach. With government and sponsors providing financial support, more athletes are hiring personal trainers and physiotherapists to tailor their training programs.Dronacharya awardee badminton coach Vimal Kumar believes this shift is a sign of Indian sport's growth. However, he emphasizes that top athletes should invest their own resources in support staff rather than relying on government funds.In shooting, the trend has been particularly noticeable. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has allowed personal coaches to accompany their trainees at camps ahead of the Olympics. Former shooting international Deepali Deshpande, who has worked with both national and personal coaches, highlights the importance of providing support for athletes who may not make the national team.Wrestling has also seen a shift towards personalized training, with elite wrestlers opting to train at their academies in the absence of national camps. Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have achieved success with personal coaches since 2018, inspiring others to follow suit.In table tennis, the friction between personal and national coaches flared up at the Tokyo Games. However, Italian coach Massimo Costantini has been roped in ahead of the Paris Olympics and has welcomed the presence of personal coaches.Badminton shuttlers, including Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, PV Sindhu, and Lakshya Sen, are also working under personalized training plans.While personal coaches provide individualized attention and tailored training programs, national coaches play a crucial role in preparing athletes for team events and providing guidance during competitions. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has identified "medal hopefuls" who will be allowed to bring personal coaches and support staff to the Paris Olympics, subject to availability of slots.

India's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Since gaining independence in 1947, India has participated in every edition of the Summer Olympics, showcasing its prowess in various sports.Early Dominance in Hockey:India's golden era in hockey began in 1928, when the team won its first Olympic gold medal. They went on to dominate the sport, winning six consecutive golds from 1928 to 1960. The team's success was largely attributed to legendary players like Dhyan Chand and Kishan Lal.Challenges and Setbacks:However, India's dominance in hockey faced challenges in the 1960s. In 1960, Pakistan defeated India for the first time in Olympic history, ending their golden run. The 1976 Montreal Olympics marked a turning point, as India failed to win a medal in hockey for the first time since 1928.Individual Successes:Despite the setbacks in hockey, India has produced several individual medalists in other sports. Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav won the first individual medal for independent India in wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Milkha Singh narrowly missed out on a bronze in the 400m at the 1960 Rome Olympics.Women's Hockey and Other Sports:Women's hockey made its Olympic debut in 1980, and India's women's team has since made significant progress. They finished fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, their best performance to date. India has also seen success in other sports, including weightlifting (Karnam Malleswari), shooting (Abhinav Bindra), and wrestling (Sushil Kumar).Recent Successes:The 2020 Tokyo Olympics was a historic one for India, as the country won a record seven medals. Neeraj Chopra became India's first Olympic gold medalist in athletics since 1900, while the men's hockey team won bronze, their first medal in the sport since 1980. PV Sindhu became a double Olympic medalist in badminton, and Lovlina Borgohain won bronze in boxing.Conclusion:India's Olympic journey has been a testament to the country's sporting prowess and resilience. From the golden era of hockey to the recent successes in various sports, India has consistently showcased its ability to compete at the highest level. As the country prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, it will be hoping to continue its Olympic legacy and bring home more medals.

World championships medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat has appealed for urgent assistance from the Sports Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, and other authorities after her visa for Spain was delayed. Phogat is scheduled to compete at the Grand Prix of Spain 2024 in Madrid, with her flight departing on Wednesday night. However, she has yet to receive her visa.In a social media post, Phogat expressed her concern and requested the intervention of the concerned authorities. She tagged the Ministry of External Affairs, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Consulate General of France in Bangalore in her post."Dear authorities, I'm requesting for urgent help. I applied for my Schengen visa in Bangalore on 24th June. I have to leave tonight for a competition in Spain on 6th July but have no information on my visa. Requesting @mansukhmandviya @BangaloreFrance @MEABharat to help," she posted.The competition in Spain is scheduled from July 5 to 7, with the women's event slated for July 6. Phogat is also scheduled to attend training camps in Madrid, Spain, and Boulogne sur-Mer, France.Phogat's visa delay has raised concerns about the efficiency of the visa application process for Indian athletes. The timely issuance of visas is crucial for athletes to participate in international competitions and represent their country.The Sports Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs have not yet responded to Phogat's request for assistance. However, it is expected that they will take immediate action to resolve the issue and ensure that Phogat can participate in the Grand Prix of Spain.