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.
Tags: #Wrestling, #ParisOlympics, #WFI, #SAI, #MedicalTests
Read more
Share:
Indian Athletics Team Prepares for Olympics with Overseas Training
India's Medal Hopes High for Paris Olympics After Tokyo Watershed