‘Won’t allow them to play’ – WFI chief bashes private companies for ‘spoiling’ wrestlers

‘Won’t allow them to play’ – WFI chief bashes private companies for ‘spoiling’ wrestlers

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has sounded a staunch warning for wrestlers associated with private bodies. The WFI chief’s comments mean trouble for ace grapplers Ravi Dhaiya, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and others as the 2024 Paris Olympics cycle kicks off.

While India has been exceptional in wrestling at the Olympic Games having bagged six medals in the last four Summer Olympics, the road is about to get tricky for the wrestlers. Singh alleged OGQ and JSW had “spoiled three wrestlers” although he refused to name them. He added that the grapplers who will continue their association with these bodies will not be considered for selections.

The OGQ supports 32 wrestlers, including 23 who are in the age group 13 to 19 years while the JSW, too, supports close to a dozen wrestlers. “We don’t need OGQ and JSW. My biggest problem is they don’t inform me regarding the planning of an athlete and who they are sending as a wrestler’s sparring partner for training stints abroad,” Singh told The Indian Express.

“Bilkul nahi khelne doonga (Won’t allow them to play).” He added: “Even I am giving Ravi Rs 1 lakh per month. From how many places will you take money? We are ready to give you everything. If they still want to be involved, they should share a copy of their agreement with the players and factor in our views… They can support junior and cadet wrestlers who actually need support.”

WFI chief slams government for keeping him out of the loop with TOPS scheme

WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh 1
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The WFI president went on to express his disappointment over the way the Indian government handled the athletes under its flagship Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Singh shares that he was left out of the loop as the government and private bodies handled the details of athletes’ training.

“Bajrang and Vinesh (Phogat) are two very senior wrestlers. Their ranking was first-class going into the Olympics. So they thought a certain plan was better for their future, they told TOPS, who then told us,” he said. “It has never happened that Vinesh approached the federation. This is my allegation against TOPS. They are directly overseeing issues like where the athlete should go for training.”

Opening up on the situation around Vinesh’s future, who was served a notice before being temporarily banned, Singh shared that he wanted to set an example of the senior grappler. “She is senior enough to understand there is a proper costume for every tournament. We have to look at other wrestlers too. India’s wrestling isn’t dependent on one wrestler. We have to make sure no one makes such mistakes in the future,” he said.

Also Read | World Junior Wrestling Championships: Bipasha settles for silver as Simran, Sito bag bronze

YouTube video