Strict Selection Policies Reshape Indian Wrestling

The Wrestling Federation of India has introduced a strict selection policy requiring attendance at national camps and trials for national selection. Independent training is barred, and past achievements don't guarantee selection. This initiative seeks fairness and meritocracy in fielding the national team for international competitions.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced a comprehensive new selection policy that enforces mandatory attendance at national camps for national team eligibility. This move, aimed at streamlining the national selection process, prohibits wrestlers from training outside designated camps.

The policy, shaped during the WFI's General Council meeting in Ahmedabad and reviewed by the Sports Authority of India, introduces stringent measures such as obligatory one-bout trials for Olympic quota winners, emphasizing merit-based opportunities.

The federation's policy insists that past performances won't guarantee selection, promoting equal opportunity for all wrestlers. These steps intend to ensure accountability, transparency, and objective athlete assessment ahead of major international events.

(With inputs from agencies.)