Coronavirus has brought the sporting world to a standstill. But in an Olympic year, even a day without training can be detrimental to athletes dream of winning a medal at the Summer Games. While track and field sports can be practiced behind closed doors, contact sports like wrestling need partners to train the moves and techniques. But as keeping safe distance is the best precaution to avoid getting infected by the virus, Indian wrestlers have decided to go back to the traditional ways of training.
Indian coaches have advised wrestlers to train individually and practice shadow wrestling. Shadow training is a very common type of exercise in combat sports including wrestling. It is a great way to develop skills, speed and conditioning. Apart from this, it will also keep safe distance from people therefore minimising the chances of getting infected.
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“We have advised our wrestlers to take necessary precautions while training. Avoiding contact with other wrestlers is the foremost priority. They have been advised to do shadow wrestling and weight training to keep in touch with the sport,” Indian Navy Greco coach Kuldeep told WrestlingTV.
This type of training is also a great way to take time away from regular training and recover from minor tears which wrestlers get during mat training.
“The training is a great way to heal up and be fresh for when the national camp for women’s resume.” India’s foreign women’s wrestling coach Andrew Cook said.
Currently, India’s Greco wrestlers Hardeep (97kg) and Naveen (130kg) are training with Kuldeep at Raghubir Akhara situated near SAI Center, Sonepat.
The two wrestlers came back from Baku after their training was cut short due to Azerbaijan’s travel restrictions. They have resumed their practice with Navy but have been asked to take extra precaution for the next 14 days.
“They were scanned after upon arrival at the airport. Both the wrestlers were again tested at M.I. Room, INS India. Now, they are training but we have asked them to train individually and avoid contact practice,” Kuldeep said.
Apart from shadow training and weight training, the wrestlers have also been advised to do cardio and rope climbing to keep themselves conditioned.
Shako Bentinidis, on the other hand has instructed Bajrang Punia to train with only one partner he trusts the most.
“Bajrang now trains only with one partner he trusts the most. He trains with him everyday. For outside the training arena I have asked Bajrang to keep safe distance from others,” Shako said.
