Wrestling News: Indian wrestlers were in great form before wrestling came to a sudden halt due to COVID-19 triggered lockdown. Be it at the 2019 world championships or 2020 Asian Championships, the elite grapplers had found a place on the medal podium. But with four months of no proper training and competitions, there is a big concern on their form. It has also given rise to many questions and one which standout is ‘Can Indian wrestlers regain their pre-lockdown performance in Tokyo Olympics build-up’?
Kripa Shankar, coach and former wrestler, opines that although it will take some time, regaining form will not be much of an issue for wrestlers. “Yes, it is true that they have not competed for long. It does affect their form as well. But they will get back into top form once they begin proper training,” he told WrestlingTV.
From 2019 world championships to 2020 Asian Championships
India for the first time had secured four Olympic quotas, thanks to its medal-winning performances at Nur-Sultan 2019 world championships. Three wrestlers in men’s freestyle and one in women’s wrestling have four secured quotas. But it was at the Asian Championships that Indian wrestlers proved their mettle to the world. It won 20 medals recording their best performance at the continental meet.
Shankar said that it is all muscle memory, so all they need is proper training and environment to regain the form. “They have been practising the moves since childhood, so it is ingrained in them. They are just a little out of touch. A month of the intense workout will help them return to their previous form”.
Not only at the senior age-group, India at U-23 and Juniors had also won medals. While Deepak Punia created history by winning a gold medal at Junior worlds, India found two new talents in Sonam Malik and Anshu who won the title in Cadet and Junior age-group respectively.
World Championships in December
United World Wrestling had earlier this month updated their calendar for the remaining year. The world governing body announced that it will host the senior world championships in December in Belgrade, Serbia. Tokyo Olympic-bound wrestlers Ravi Dahiya said that it is good as it will be a good check for them ahead of the summer games. “It is a good opportunity. We have not been able to compete anywhere due to covid-19. But now, a world championship ahead of the Tokyo Olympics will prove beneficial for all the wrestlers,” he said.
Shankar, however, added that Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) needs to restart the national camp for the wrestlers to perform well at Tokyo Olympics. “If it were for me, I would have never suspended the camp. Instead, I would just impose strict rules and if they were violated, the concerned wrestler would be sent back home,” he said. WFI reportedly will start the camp next month. “India has a very good chance to win at least four Olympic medal this time,” Shankar concluded.