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Four Indian wrestlers who have secured quota berths for the Paris Olympics have appealed to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to exempt them from selection trials, citing the proximity of the Games and the potential impact on their preparation.Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Reetika Hooda (76kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), and Anshu Malik (57kg) have individually written to the WFI, requesting their selection without trials. They argue that with only 10 weeks remaining before the Olympics, every day of training is crucial and that preparing for additional competitions would disrupt their plans."It leaves us with just 10 weeks of preparation time before the event, which is already less considering the timelines. Every single day of training is very important for me. Around this crucial time, preparing for another competition again affects my training plan, my diet, weight maintenance, and I will lose out on a lot of practice sessions because of this," one wrestler wrote in their letter.The wrestlers also expressed concerns about the risk of injuries at this stage. "It is too close to the Paris Olympics. If trials are held, all our focus will be on that instead of preparation towards Paris," said one wrestler.The WFI has scheduled a selection committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the wrestlers' request. A member of the committee acknowledged the wrestlers' concerns and stated that all aspects would be considered."There is no doubt the Paris Olympics are very close and you want the wrestlers to completely focus on preparation at this point. The selection committee will look into every aspect," said the member.If the trials are not held, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya will not have a second chance to qualify in the 57kg category.India has a strong tradition in wrestling, having won at least one medal in the last four Olympics. The country's wrestlers have won a total of seven medals in the sport.

India's Olympic wrestling hopes have been dampened after only one male freestyle wrestler, Aman Sehrawat, qualified for the Paris Games. Sujeet Kalkal and Jaideep Ahlawat's losses in the repechage rounds at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul dashed India's chances of sending more men to the Olympics.Wrestling was India's most successful sport at the Tokyo Olympics, with Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia winning silver and bronze medals, respectively. However, the sport has been plagued by turmoil in the past year due to protests and a lack of national camps.Sujeet's failure to qualify also ends Punia's hopes of competing in Paris. Dahiya remains in contention, but he will have to prove his worth in selection trials scheduled for June 10.In women's wrestling, India has secured quotas through Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, and Reetika Hooda. Vinesh, who has been at the forefront of the wrestling protests, has the option to compete in either 50kg or 53kg.WFI president Sanjay Singh emphasized that Vinesh must choose one weight class for the trials. "She has to choose between 50kg and 53kg; whichever weight she gives her weigh-in, she can compete in that," Singh said.Despite the challenges, India's wrestlers remain determined to make their mark in Paris. However, the lack of preparation and turmoil within the sport have raised concerns about their ability to replicate their success from Tokyo.

Aman Sehrawat has secured India's first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in men's freestyle wrestling, triumphing in the 57kg division at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul. The Asian Games medalist showcased his dominance throughout the tournament, comfortably winning all his bouts.In the crucial semi-final, Sehrawat faced Asian Games silver medalist Chongsong Han of North Korea. Despite a tight first period, Sehrawat's superior technique and relentless attacks proved too much for Han. He secured a 12-2 victory, sealing the Olympic quota for India.Sehrawat's success also provides a lifeline to Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, who competes in the same weight class. The Olympic quota belongs to the country, and Sehrawat will likely have to win the selection trials at home to represent India in Paris.Sujeet Kalkal also impressed in the 65kg division, reaching the semi-finals before losing to experienced Mongolian wrestler Tomor-Ochiryn Tulga. However, the 22-year-old will have another chance to qualify for Paris in the repechage on Sunday.Sehrawat's journey to the Olympics has been marked by consistent progress. In 2022, he became the world U23 champion. Last year, he won bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games and gold at the Asian Championships in Astana. Despite missing out on qualification at the 2023 world championships and the Asian Qualifiers, Sehrawat remained determined and seized his opportunity in Istanbul.Sehrawat's victory is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian wrestling. With Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia also in contention, India has a strong chance of medaling in the 57kg and 65kg weight classes at the Paris Olympics.

Nisha Dahiya, a 24-year-old Indian wrestler, has secured a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 68kg weight category. Her victory at the World Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul on Friday marks India's fifth Paris Olympics quota in women's wrestling, the highest number the country has ever achieved.Dahiya's journey to the Olympics was not without its challenges. In the quarterfinals, she faced top seed Adela Hanzlickova of the Czech Republic, a multiple-time European championships medalist. Despite a shaky start, Dahiya managed to overcome Hanzlickova 7-4, showcasing her resilience and determination.In the semifinals, Dahiya faced Alexandra Anghel of Romania. She dominated the match, building an 8-0 lead before Anghel narrowed the deficit to 8-4. However, Dahiya held on to her advantage, securing her spot in Paris.Dahiya's success adds to the growing list of Indian wrestlers who have qualified for the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), and Reetika Hooda (76kg) have also earned quotas.On Saturday, India's freestyle wrestlers will have the opportunity to add to the country's Olympic contingent. The World Olympic Qualifiers are the final chance for wrestlers to secure their place in Paris.Dahiya's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is an Asian Championships medalist and a world U-23 bronze medalist. Her success is a source of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers in India and around the world.

Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has refuted allegations that he refused to provide urine samples during selection trials in Sonepat in March. He claims that he merely requested an explanation from the dope control officials after they failed to provide adequate proof of carrying proper equipment.Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, stated that he had previously encountered issues with NADA officials. On two separate occasions, they had arrived with expired kits and only one testing kit instead of the mandatory three.On March 10, when approached by alleged doping control officials, Punia sought an explanation for these previous lapses. However, he received no response. He then informed the officials that he would provide a sample upon receiving an explanation.Instead of providing an explanation, the officials left the venue, claiming it to be a refusal from Punia's end. He emphasized that he remained at the venue for an hour after the incident and met with the SAI doctor for treatment of a knee injury.Punia also alleged that the DCOs did not follow protocol by leaving before he submitted his medical report to the competition manager. He believes that his actions were justified due to NADA's past actions and the need to ensure compliance with doping control protocols."It is my moral obligation towards the wrestling community and particularly the younger wrestlers, that I exercised here," Punia stated.

Bajrang Punia, India's star wrestler and Tokyo Olympic medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation. The suspension stems from an incident on March 10, when Punia refused to provide a sample after the selection trials in Sonepat.The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued a notice to Punia on April 23, requesting a response by May 7. In his defense, Punia released a video on social media, questioning NADA's use of an expired sample collection kit in December.Punia's lawyer, Vidhuspat Singhania, confirmed that they had submitted a reply to NADA's notice on May 7. However, he expressed unawareness of the UWW suspension.According to UWW records, Punia's suspension will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The suspension is based on NADA's provisional suspension for an alleged anti-doping rule violation.Provisional suspensions by anti-doping authorities apply to all competitions, both domestic and international, until the charges are resolved. International federations typically do not issue separate suspensions in such cases.The hearing in Punia's case has yet to commence. However, UWW rules allow for provisional suspensions in cases of anti-doping rule violations that do not involve an adverse analytical finding or a final hearing.Punia's suspension is a significant setback for his Olympic aspirations. He failed to qualify for the two Olympic qualifiers after losing in the Sonepat trials. India has yet to secure an Olympic berth in the 65kg weight class, which will be contested by Sujeet Kalkal in the ongoing World Qualifiers.If Punia is ultimately banned for refusing to provide a sample, his Olympic dreams will be shattered.In a separate development, NADA has withdrawn a notice of "three whereabouts failures" against Punia. Singhania clarified that the notice was issued in error and that it had been retracted.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Punia failed to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10, prompting NADA to issue the suspension.According to NADA's official release, Punia has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and activities pending a hearing on the matter. The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a sample despite being informed of the consequences.Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was among several wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The suspension comes as a setback for Punia, who was expected to compete in the selection trials later this month.In the absence of Punia, Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was addressed to the WFI's now-defunct ad hoc committee, rather than the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).Punia had previously claimed that he had expired dope-collecting kits, but disregarded the dope control officer's directive. The DCO's report states that Punia left the venue despite being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.Punia has been asked to provide a written justification for his refusal by May 7. If he accepts the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. However, if he disagrees, the matter will be referred to the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

Reetika Hooda, India's rising wrestling sensation, has etched her name in history by securing an Olympic quota in the 76kg weight division for the Paris Games. This marks the first time India will be represented in this weight class at the Olympics.Hooda's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and a fearless spirit. She believes in facing the toughest opponents to achieve greatness. Her recent success at the Olympic qualifiers in Bishkek, where she overcame formidable wrestlers like Davaanasan Enkh Amar and Juan Wang, is a testament to her exceptional talent.National coach Virender Singh Dahiya hails Hooda as the brightest Indian talent in women's wrestling. He praises her physical strength and mental fortitude, noting that she remains composed even when trailing in bouts.Hooda's inspiration stems from Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and two-time world champion Amit Elor. She admires Elor's technical prowess and calm demeanor during matches.Her coach at Chotu Ram Stadium, Mandeep Singh, highlights Hooda's positive mindset and unwavering belief in her abilities. He credits her with never shying away from strong opponents and constantly striving to improve.The turning point in Hooda's career came with her gold medal victory at the U23 World Championships in 2023. This triumph instilled in her the belief that she could achieve Olympic glory.Hooda's mother has played a crucial role in her success, providing unwavering support and meticulous attention to her diet and hydration.With her Olympic quota secured, Hooda's focus now shifts to winning an Olympic medal. Her unwavering determination and exceptional talent make her a formidable contender for the podium in Paris.

Chhatrasal Stadium Hostel Evacuated After Coach AssaultThe prestigious Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi, renowned for its wrestling academy, has been rocked by a shocking incident that has led to the evacuation of the hostel. On Tuesday night, an international referee and coach, Jaiveer Dahiya, was allegedly beaten up by a trainee wrestler.According to coaches at the center, the incident occurred around 11 pm when a wrestler attacked Dahiya with sticks in the presence of his friends. The coach sustained severe injuries to his head and chin, requiring multiple stitches. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute during training.Despite the severity of the assault, Dahiya declined to file a complaint, claiming he had fallen down the stairs. However, the stadium administration took immediate action, closing the hostel and ordering the wrestlers to vacate the premises.The incident has raised concerns about the safety and discipline at the stadium. In 2021, the Chhatrasal Stadium gained notoriety when junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar was murdered within its premises. Double Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar was arrested for his involvement in the assault.The stadium, operated by the Delhi government, is a multisport facility that also offers training in athletics, basketball, archery, and football. The wrestling academy has produced numerous national and international champions, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya.Following the hostel evacuation, only a select group of top wrestlers, including Dahiya, Aman Sehrawat, Deepak Punia, and Sumit Malik, have been permitted to continue training at the stadium. The remaining wrestlers have been asked to find alternative accommodations.The Deputy Director of Education (Sports), Manish Jain, has not responded to requests for comment on the incident. The investigation into the assault is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.