In a significant decision, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced that there will be no trials to select India’s representatives for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This move ensures that the six quota winners, five women and one man, will head to Paris without additional selection rounds.
However, the WFI emphasized that this is a one-time exemption and not a future precedent. All Paris-bound wrestlers will be closely monitored for fitness at a Ranking Series tournament in June and during a subsequent training camp. Any wrestler found lacking in fitness could be replaced through trials before July 8, the final date for submitting entries.
The quota winners who will compete in Paris are:
Vinesh Phogat (50kg)
Antim Panghal (53kg)
Anshu Malik (57kg)
Nisha Dahiya (68kg)
Reetika Hooda (76kg)
Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57kg)
The decision was made following consultations with head coach Virender Dahiya and men’s freestyle head coach Jagmander Singh. The selection committee unanimously decided to exempt the quota-earning wrestlers from the trials due to the current circumstances. The WFI noted that holding trials could lead to injuries, potentially affecting India’s medal prospects.
In countries like the USA, Japan, Iran, and Russia, trials are customary to select the most in-form wrestlers after securing quotas. The WFI, traditionally not aligned with this practice, had announced in 2021 that trials would be held for the 2024 squad. However, recent requests from quota winners and concerns about injuries led to the reversal of this decision.
The selected wrestlers will compete in the Budapest Ranking Series from June 6-9, where their fitness will be assessed. WFI President Sanjay Singh stated that if any quota winner is found unfit, a selection trial will be held before July 8 to find a replacement.
This decision affects wrestlers like Sarita Mor (57kg) and Tokyo medallist Ravi Dahiya (men’s 57kg), who were preparing for possible trials. Despite the disappointment for these athletes, the WFI prioritizes ensuring that the quota winners are fully fit and ready for the Olympics.
The no-trials decision reflects the WFI’s strategic approach to maximize India’s medal chances at the Paris Olympics, while also highlighting the exceptional circumstances surrounding this year’s selection process.
