NEW DELHI: Indian wrestling has gone through a tumultuous period since the beginning of the last year with the protest against the former president of WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment by leading female wrestlers, followed by the suspension of the national federation which led to a situation where the country's grapplers were forced to compete as 'neutral' athletes in UWW sanctioned tournaments.
The off-field issues severely affected the wrestlers' preparations for the Paris Olympics and brought the sport to a complete halt. However, things improved in May this year when a fully-functional federation took charge of the proceedings and started putting together India's campaign for Paris back on track.
While the preparations for Paris can't be termed ideal given what the country's wrestling went through over the last one-and-a-half year, it's time for the grapplers to put all that behind and focus on the task at hand.
This time, six Indian wrestlers will compete in Paris - Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) in the women's category while Aman Sehrawat (57kg) will be the lone male wrestler in fray.
Among the medal prospects, two-time junior world champion and bronze medallist at the senior World, Antim Panghal can certainly be called a genuine medal prospect. Her dominant form last year proved the 20-year-old's credentials as the next big thing in Indian wrestling. Similarly, Reetika could emerge as a surprise contender. The reigning Under-23 world champion will be competing in one of the heavier weight categories and has natural built, stamina and strength to chart her path to Olympic glory.
Vinesh, the most experienced of the lot having represented India at the two successive Olympics, can't be discounted as a medal contender. She showed her fine game prowess after clinching the Grand Prix of Spain 2024 wrestling title in her new weight category.
Aman, an Under-23 world champion, will be marking his Olympic debut in Paris. The way the 21-year-old has made rapid strides in his weight category outshining the likes of fancied Bajrang and Ravi during the selection trials and also at the world Olympic qualifiers is a testament of his talent.
