Bajrang Punia Urges Sports Ministry To Resume Wrestling Activities Ahead of Paris Olympics

New Delhi: Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has urged the Sports Ministry to promptly resume wrestling activities in India, expressing concern over the lack of preparation for the upcoming Paris Games, just seven months away. The wrestling community has faced disruptions due to internal conflicts, with protests against former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh causing a hiatus in wrestling events.

Despite the election of a new Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) committee, led by Sanjay Singh, the Sports Ministry suspended the panel, citing violations of its own constitution in organizing the national U-15 and U-20 Championships.

Punia, who returned his Padma Shri in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh, emphasized the urgency of preparing for the Paris Olympics. He highlighted the lack of national championships and training camps, stating that no serious efforts have been made for the quadrennial event, despite wrestling securing consecutive medals in the last four Olympics.

Expressing concern for the future of players, especially with the Olympics approaching, Punia called on the Sports Ministry to swiftly restart all wrestling activities. The recent wave of protests within the wrestling community saw Sakshi Malik retiring from the sport, and Vinesh Phogat returning her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The plea from Punia underscores the need for immediate attention to ensure the well-being and preparation of Indian wrestlers for the upcoming Paris Games.