After weeks of uncertainty, a six-member Pakistani contingent has departed for India to participate in the ongoing Asian Wrestling Championships in Delhi. This is first team from Pakistan across sports, that has been granted visas by the Indian authorities post Pulwama attack.
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Before departure, coach of Pakistan team spoke to the media and claimed that getting visas was an uphill task and they are relieved that finally they are getting chance to participate in the Asian Wrestling championships.
“Getting visas was an uphill task and India granted them permission to participate in the championships only after the intervention of the United World Wrestling. The UWW had issued a strict warning to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that if visas were not granted to the participating nations, India may be barred from participating in the Asian Olympic qualifier scheduled in March. Post that only the Indian High Commission in Islamabad had issued visas to us on February 16” said Sohai Rasheed, coach of the Pakistan team.
All the four Pakistani wrestlers, Mohammed Bilal (57kg), Abdul Rehman (74kg), Tayyab Raza (97kg) and Zaman Anwar (125kg) are freestylers. The six-day Asian Wrestling Championships, which commenced on 18th February, will see the freestyle competition bouts on the 22nd and 23rd February.
Tayeeb, who will be leading the contingent, is well aware about the powerful field before his team in the championships but is hopeful of winning medals. “Top wrestlers from Iran, India, Uzbekistan will compete against us. We know the bouts will be tough but we will give our best efforts and try winning medals,” the wrestler said.
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Asian Wrestling Champions 2020 Full Schedule, India squad, Where to watch live: All You Need to Know
