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Indian wrestlers Akash Dahiya and Anirudh Kumar have advanced to the bronze medal matches at the Asian Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. However, three of their teammates have been eliminated from the tournament.Dahiya, competing in the non-Olympic 61kg category, started with a narrow 10-8 victory over Uzbekistan's Sardor Ruzimov. He then defeated Korea's Sanghyeon Son 7-3 in the quarterfinal. However, Kazakhstan's Assyl Aitakyn proved too strong for Dahiya in the semifinal, winning by technical superiority. Dahiya will now face Mongolia's Enkhbold Enkhbat for the bronze medal.Anirudh Kumar, competing in the 125kg category, began with a 3-0 win over Pakistan's Zaman Anwar. However, he was outplayed by Iran's Amir Hossein Abbas Zare in the quarterfinal, losing by technical superiority. Since Zare reached the final, Kumar remains in contention for bronze and will face Bahrain's Shamil Magomed A Sharipov.Yash Tushir (74kg), Sandeep Singh Maan (86kg), and Vinay (92kg) were all eliminated from the tournament after losing in their respective categories.India had won three medals on Thursday through Udit (57kg, silver), Abhimanyou (70kg, bronze), and Vicky (97kg, bronze). The men's free-style competition will conclude today, while the women's bouts will begin on Saturday.

The Delhi High Court is considering the formation of an ad hoc committee to manage the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Justice Sachin Datta has granted the Union Sports Ministry another opportunity to clarify its stance on managing the federation's affairs after the dissolution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad hoc committee.The court criticized the ministry for failing to file an affidavit explaining its decision to suspend the WFI and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the IOA's ad hoc committee. Justice Datta indicated that he may appoint an ad hoc committee if the ministry does not provide a clear explanation.The court's consideration stems from an application filed by four wrestlers, including Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, who sought directions to the ministry not to revoke the WFI's suspension. The wrestlers also requested the appointment of a one-man committee to oversee the management of the WFI.The IOA had dissolved its ad hoc committee on March 18, citing the lifting of the WFI's ban by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the successful completion of selection trials. However, the wrestlers argued that the ministry's suspension order remained in effect.The ministry's counsel requested a week's time to file an affidavit, claiming that the response needed approval from the Joint Secretary, who was out of the country. The wrestlers' counsel alleged that the ministry's stance was dependent on whether the "ousted gentleman" (former WFI president Sanjay Singh) received a ticket for the upcoming elections.The WFI, represented by senior advocate Dayanan Krishnan, informed the court that a coordinate bench had issued notice in the federation's plea challenging the ministry's order suspending the elected executive committee.The IOA, in its affidavit, stated that it withdrew the ad hoc committee to avoid conflict with the Olympic Charter and UWW rules. It emphasized that the WFI's recognition by the UWW is paramount and that the NOC cannot interfere in the affairs of NSFs.The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing, awaiting the ministry's affidavit and the wrestlers' response.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has clarified its stance on the selection of wrestlers for the Paris Olympics, stating that the doors remain open for all athletes, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya.WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasized that the federation will adhere to its selection policy, which stipulates that the performance of quota-winning wrestlers will be reviewed before a decision is made on holding a selection trial prior to the Paris Games."There is no confusion now. The ad-hoc committee is no longer in place, and WFI will follow the rules and regulations of its selection policy," Singh said. "It states that whoever wins the Olympic berth, their performance will be assessed. If the performance is satisfactory, the same wrestler will go to Paris. Otherwise, the wrestler who is performing well in the same weight class will get an opportunity."Regarding Dahiya and Punia, Singh stated that their performances will be evaluated, as will those of all other wrestlers. "There will be no discrimination against anyone," he added.The teams for the two Olympic qualification tournaments were selected based on the ad-hoc panel's selection policy, which allowed the top four wrestlers from these trials to qualify for a final trial in May for the Paris Olympics.In the 53kg weight class, Antim Panghal has already qualified, while double world medalist Vinesh Phogat is among the contenders to challenge her for Paris. However, Phogat will also have the opportunity to secure a berth for India in the 50kg category."Vinesh will be competing in the 50kg Olympic qualification tournament in Bishkek," Singh confirmed.At the WFI Special General Meeting in Noida, amendments to the constitution were approved, including age, tenure, and cooling-off period guidelines as per the Sports Code. The 70-year age cap and two consecutive terms (or eight years), followed by a mandatory four-year cooling-off period, will now apply to all WFI executive council positions.The SGM also adopted a resolution to conduct Athletes Commission elections as mandated by United World Wrestling (UWW). The elections will be held during the Federation Cup in Varanasi from April 24-26.WFI, which was suspended by the Sports Ministry, discussed the possibility of functioning without government funding. "UWW and IOA have lifted the suspension on WFI. We hope the Sports Ministry also lifts the suspension, but at present, we are not receiving any financial help from the government, so we discussed ways to run the organization," Singh said.WFI Secretary General Prem Chand Lohcab, who came from the camp of protesting wrestlers, has not attended any of the three WFI meetings. WFI adopted a resolution that if the secretary general fails to forward proposed amendments to every member of the general council as described in the WFI constitution, the president may authorize one of the joint secretaries to do so.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has resolved to operate independently of government funding if its suspension is not lifted. This decision was made at a Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Noida after the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted its suspension and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) dissolved the ad-hoc panel managing the WFI.The WFI's suspension by the government stemmed from alleged rule violations during its election process. However, the UWW's decision to lift its suspension and the IOA's dissolution of the ad-hoc panel have paved the way for the elected office bearers to resume control.Despite these developments, the government has yet to lift its suspension. The WFI has unanimously agreed to operate without government funding if the suspension remains in place. This would mean that the WFI would be responsible for funding wrestlers' training, competitions, and foreign exposure trips.The WFI has also amended its Constitution to eliminate the requirement for a two-third majority for candidates contesting elections for new posts. This amendment simplifies the election process and allows for greater flexibility in leadership selection.Additionally, the WFI has removed the requirement for state associations to have recognition from State Olympic Committees (SOCs) for affiliation with the national body. This move aims to prevent misuse of the clause by suspended state bodies claiming legitimacy through SOC recognition.All state bodies have been instructed to adhere to the National Sports Code in conducting elections and functioning. Age and tenure guidelines must be followed by all affiliated entities.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat's decision to compete in two weight categories at the selection trials on March 11 has sparked controversy. While the move may have been strategic for her Olympic aspirations, it has drawn criticism from fellow athletes.Phogat, a two-time World Championships bronze medalist, entered both the 50kg and 53kg classes. She finished third in the 53kg category but won the 50kg trials, securing her spot for next month's Olympic qualifiers.The 53kg quota has already been secured by Antim Panghal, who was exempted from the trials. According to the selection criteria, a final selection trial in May will determine who represents India in Paris.Phogat defended her decision, stating that she was unsure if the final selection trial in the 53kg class would be held. She also emphasized that she did not violate any rules by entering two weight categories, as Article 7 of UWW regulations applies only to international competitions."I want to clarify that I, along with other finalists, have undergone dope tests after both the senior nationals held in the previous month and following the recent trials," Phogat added, addressing rumors that she had not undergone the mandatory dope test.However, some athletes have expressed concerns about Phogat's actions. They argue that it is unfair for her to compete in two weight categories, especially when other wrestlers have dedicated themselves to a single weight class.The controversy has highlighted the need for clear and transparent selection criteria. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) must ensure that all wrestlers are treated fairly and that the selection process is based on merit.

The Commonwealth Games trials proved to be a turning point for 20-year-old wrestler Aman Sehrawat. Facing Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, Aman suffered a humiliating 10-0 defeat. However, this setback ignited a fire within him, as he realized the need to overcome the mental pressure that had hindered his performance.Inspired by Dahiya, Aman had always looked up to him as a mentor and guide. But to achieve his Olympic dream, he knew he had to break free from the reverence he held for his idol. Since the trials, Aman has meticulously studied the replay of that match, identifying his weaknesses and vowing to avoid repeating the same mistakes."I realized I was not competing with a free mind," Aman said. "I was playing with the pressure of competing against an Olympic medalist. He was dictating the pace, and I was simply getting drawn into his gameplan."To prepare for the Olympic qualifiers, Aman stopped sparring with Dahiya and focused on improving his technique and mental fortitude. He drew inspiration from Dahiya's journey, knowing that if his mentor could overcome adversity to win an Olympic medal, so could he."Beating him in the trials was not easy," Aman admitted. "I have not gone a single day without watching the replay of the CWG trials, including today. I worked on my weaknesses and stopped sparring with him. We were training with different partners."Their similar wrestling styles resulted in a thrilling high-scoring bout in the Olympic qualifier trials, where Aman emerged victorious with a narrow 14-13 margin. Despite his triumph, Aman acknowledged Dahiya's struggles after returning from injury."You know it is not easy when you have surgery and do not compete enough," Aman said. "Ravi gained weight after injury, and it has taken him time to return to the mat."Aman is now determined to secure an Olympic quota and continue the legacy of his weight class, which has produced renowned wrestlers like Yogeshwar Dutt and Ravi Dahiya.Similarly, 22-year-old Sujeet Kalkal carries the weight of representing India in the 65kg category, previously dominated by Bajrang Punia. Despite not facing Punia in the trials, Sujeet displayed composure and defeated Rohit by superiority in the final."I have been working on this trial for a long time," Sujeet said. "I won titles in National Games and National Championships. So, I kept giving myself small goals and prepared along the way for the trials."Sujeet's technical prowess and international experience, including victories over world-class wrestlers, give him confidence in his ability to succeed on the international stage."This is a weight class where you need speed, stamina, strength, everything," Sujeet said. "I am young and still developing my strength and improving day by day. My game is technical like most international competitors."

Vinesh Phogat, India's star wrestler, has secured her place in the Paris Olympics Qualification tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after winning the 50kg weight category at the selection trials. However, her participation in the trials was marked by controversy as she demanded a written assurance from the authorities that a final trial will be held in the 53kg weight class before the Olympics.Phogat, who won the gold medal in the 50kg category at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, initially refused to compete in the 50kg trials, citing her desire to participate in both the 50kg and 53kg categories. This led to a delay in the start of the trials, as officials discussed her request.Eventually, the ad-hoc committee for wrestling agreed to Phogat's demand, allowing her to compete in both weight categories on Monday. Phogat defeated Shivani 11-6 in the 50kg category, but lost to Anju by technical superiority 0-10 in the 53kg bout.Phogat's demand for a written assurance stems from her previous allegations of sexual harassment against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She fears that if the WFI regains control, the federation may change the selection policy and prevent her from competing in the 53kg category at the Olympics.The IOA ad-hoc panel has already announced that a final trial will be held to pick India's representative in the 53kg category. The best four wrestlers in the weight class will compete in trials near the Games, and the winner will face Antim Panghal, who has already earned an Olympic quota in that category. The winner of that bout will represent India at the Olympics.Phogat's participation in the trials and her demand for a written assurance highlight the ongoing power struggle within the WFI. The federation has been embroiled in controversy since Phogat's allegations against Singh, and the ad-hoc committee was appointed to oversee the sport until the matter is resolved.

The upcoming two-day selection trials for the Paris Olympic qualifiers and Asian Championships will feature India's top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and Vinesh Phogat. The trials will be conducted by an ad hoc panel in Sonepat and Patiala.Initially, United World Wrestling (UWW) had raised concerns about accepting India's entries for the competitions due to the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the sports ministry. However, after a Delhi High Court hearing, the ad hoc panel was authorized to hold the trials.To ensure official status for the trials and clear India's entry for the tournaments, WFI has agreed to send officials and coaches to monitor the proceedings. The trials for Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers will take place in Sonepat on Sunday, while the women's trials will be held in Patiala on Monday.Winners in the Olympic weight categories will represent India in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and World Olympic Qualifiers. Runners-up will compete in the Asian Championships.Several top wrestlers are returning from injuries, including Ravi Dahiya, Anshu Malik, and Sonam Malik. Antim Panghal, the only Indian to secure an Olympic quota, has received a direct entry to the Asian Championships.Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, will need to win the trials to qualify for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. Vinesh Phogat, who underwent knee surgery, will face a fitness test in Patiala.Ravi Dahiya and Aman Sehrawat will compete in the 57kg category, while Yash and Sagar Jaglan will battle for the 74kg berth. Deepak Punia remains the favorite in the 86kg category.In the women's 59kg class, Anshu Malik and Sarita Mor will face off. Both are world championships medalists, with Malik having defeated Mor at the National Championships in Jaipur.The selection trials will be crucial for wrestlers aiming to represent India at the Paris Olympics. The trials will provide an opportunity to assess their form and fitness and determine who will represent the country in the upcoming international competitions.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reaffirmed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as its sole "affiliated member" with the exclusive authority to "elect and announce their teams" for international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics qualifiers.In a letter to WFI President Sanjay Singh, UWW President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the WFI is responsible for selecting and announcing teams for continental championships, world championships, Olympic Games Qualifying Tournaments, and other international events. Lalovic, who is also an IOC Executive Board Member, clarified that only UWW-affiliated national federations can register for international events.This clarification comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc panel was assigned the task of conducting selection trials for the Asian Olympic Games Qualifier and Asian Championships following a Delhi High Court hearing. The WFI had initially issued a notice to conduct its own selection trials, but withdrew it after the court ruled that parallel trials could not be held.The Delhi High Court was hearing a plea filed by four protesting wrestlers, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satyawart Kadian, who challenged the WFI's notice. They argued that the federation had deliberately issued the notice despite being barred by the Sports Ministry from conducting championships and knowing about the ad-hoc committee's announcement of trials.WFI President Sanjay Singh expressed concern that the wrestlers should not suffer and that the country's interests should be prioritized in an Olympic year. He urged the government to ensure that wrestlers have the opportunity to compete and that the best interests of the nation are served.The trials for Greco Roman and freestyle wrestlers will be held at SAI Sonipat on March 10, while trials for women wrestlers will take place at NSNIS Patiala on March 11. The winners in the Olympic weight category will represent India in upcoming Olympic qualifiers, including the Asian Olympic Qualifiers (April 19-21) and World Olympic Qualifiers (May 9-12).