New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will provide full support to the country’s six Olympic-bound wrestlers and the National Olympic Committee and WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) have also accepted top wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s request for more help for her training.
Six Indian wrestlers – Vinesh Phogat (50 kg), Antim Panghal (53 kg), Anshu Malik (57 kg), Nisha Dahiya (68 kg) and Ritika Hooda (76 kg) in the women’s category and Aman Sehrawat (57 kg) in the men’s category – have qualified for the Paris Olympics. IOA President PT Usha said in a statement issued on Monday that the move is aimed at ensuring the best performance for the wrestlers.
He said, “Our goal is to ensure that our wrestlers get the best resources so that they can perform at their best. This decision is in line with our commitment to promote an environment in which players can progress. ” The IOA and WFI are planning to form a support team for the wrestlers till the Olympics which includes coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, mental conditioning coaches and other necessary staff. WFI President Sanjay Singh said that Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh will be provided more support staff for training for the Paris Olympics.
He said, “We will ensure that Vinesh and all our other wrestlers get the necessary support staff to perform well and keep the Indian flag high.” Earlier this month, the Mission Olympic Unit (MOC) of the Sports Ministry had approved several proposals of players going to the Paris Olympics, including Vinesh.
Vinesh had sought financial assistance for the tournament and training camp in Madrid and the subsequent training camp in France. She will participate in the Grand Prix in Spain in July and then go to France for 20 days of training before the Olympic Games. This assistance is separate from the assistance provided to Indian wrestlers under the MOC’s ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’ (TOPS).