WFI President Announces Final Trial Decision for Paris Olympics Following Istanbul Qualifier in Wrestling

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is facing a crucial decision regarding the selection of the Indian team for the Paris Olympics. With the last qualifying event, the World Olympic Games qualifier in Istanbul, approaching from May 9 to 12, the WFI is contemplating whether to hold trials to finalize the team.

WFI president Sanjay Singh emphasized that the quota places belong to the country, and the selection committee will determine whether to let the quota place winners compete in the Olympics or conduct trials involving challengers before naming the team. The decision will be made after the Istanbul event.

Currently, four Indian women have secured spots in the Olympics, with three qualifying in the recent Asian Olympic qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. However, Sanjay expressed disappointment with India’s overall performance in Bishkek, attributing it to the lack of a training camp for Greco Roman wrestlers.

The WFI selection panel is set to meet on Monday to discuss the possibility of holding another trial before the Istanbul qualifier. Sanjay also mentioned his meeting with United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic in Bishkek, where Lalovic expressed concern over India’s recent decline in performance, acknowledging the impact of politics on the sport.

As the wrestling community eagerly awaits the decision on whether trials will be conducted for the Paris Olympics team selection, all eyes are on the upcoming qualifier in Istanbul and the subsequent deliberations of the WFI selection committee.