Bajrang Punia has decided to stay back and continue his training as Wrestling Federation of Indian (WFI) allowed both men and women wrestlers to return home for Diwali. Vinod Tomar, WFI assistant secretary said the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has sanctioned a five-day leave to the wrestlerrs.
“A few women wrestlers have alread left SAI centre in Lucknow for their homes while others are expected to depart soon. Men wrestlers too will leave soon except for Bajrang Punia. He has decided to train a little longer and will leave on November 20,” he said.
The three-time world medallist is getting married on November 25 and has taken a week leave. Bajrang has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 65kg freestyle weight category. He was eyeing for the world championship in December to test his skiills. However, with the event now cancelled, he might leave for the USA to train.
His coach Shako Bentinidis earlier said: “If they (UWW) cancel the event, then we must go out. In all likeability, we will go to the US if there is no world championship”. However, there is no confirmation about their plans yet.
Meanwhile, after not reaching the criteria defined by the UWW in June to host a ‘World Championships, the decision was made Tuesday to organize an “Individual World Cup” as substitute event.