Wrestling News: The covid-19 has infiltrated Indian wrestling. After Vinesh Phogat, Deepak Punia was tested positive for the virus. The wrestler was tested at the Sonepat SAI centre where the month-long men’s national camp is organised by Sports Authority of India (SAI). Besides, the 2019 world championship silver medallist, two other wrestlers Navin (65kg) and Krishan (125kg) were also tested positive. However, SAI has said that it will continue with the camp with those who have returned negative. “The camp will be on with those who are fine. Those who have been tested positive have already been shifted to a hospital,” SAI official said.
The national camp has five freestyle weight categories — 57kg, 65kg, 74kg, 86kg, and 125kg — and three Greco Roman divisions — 60kg, 77kg and 87kg.
WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar said that the training will only resume after the 14-day quarantine is over. “They (the three) will be tested again after two days and if they return negative test, they will be brought back. There is no threat to the national camp. The wrestlers will begin training only after they complete their quarantine period of 14 days,” Tomar said.
On Wednesday, Olympic-bound female wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her recovery as she returned negative results for the virus on Tuesday. The Rajiv Khel Ratna awardee, who competes in the 53kg category, has however chosen to remain in quarantine as a precautionary measure. The WFI training camp for female wrestlers has not yet started amid the pandemic.