Madhya Pradesh Wrestler Shivani Pawar: Missed Olympics Due to Trial Cancellations

Shivani Pawar, a wrestler from Madhya Pradesh, missed her chance at the Paris Olympics due to last-minute trial cancellations. Despite her preparations and grievances about rule violations, she remains determined to achieve success in future championships.

Shivani Pawar, a 25-year-old wrestler from Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, revealed that her trials for the Paris Olympics were abruptly cancelled. Consequently, she missed the opportunity to compete in the games.

Pawar expressed her disappointment, stating that if the trials had been conducted, the outcome could have been different. She had been preparing for the Paris Olympics for four years, only to be thwarted by last-minute rule changes. According to her, both the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had committed in writing that trials would be held for runners-up and for issues of incorrect scoring in the qualification trials. However, the trials were cancelled just two days before they were supposed to take place, allowing only those who had already qualified to proceed.

Pawar pointed out a close bout she had with wrestler Vinesh Phogat, where she claimed she was leading but lost due to what she alleges were erroneous decisions by the referee. She filed a complaint with video evidence to support her claims, but no action was taken. Furthermore, Pawar highlighted that Phogat broke rules by competing in both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories, which should not have been allowed. Despite the setbacks, Pawar continues to push forward in her wrestling career, having won multiple national titles, medals in international championships, and is now gearing up for the World Wrestling Championship 2025, the 2026 Asian Games, and the 2028 Las Vegas Olympics. Her sister, Sonu Pawar, is also preparing to follow in her footsteps.

(With inputs from agencies.)