The South Asian Federation Games 2019 are in progress currently in Nepal with wrestling competitions beginning from tomorrow in small metropolitan city of Janakpur. Most of the SAF Games 2019 is conducted either in Kathmandu or Pokhara but wrestling competitions will be conducted in Janakpur which is 225 kilometers from the capital city. The organizers claim, preparations have been completed to hold the wrestling matches in Janakpur under the 13th SAG. The wrestling matches will be held from December 6 to 9 in the local District Sports Development Committee’s covered hall.
But one look at the venue will get the eyebrows raised ?
Is the venue actually ready for the SAF Games wrestling (Kushti) competitions. District Sports Development Committee Chair Kamal Chaudhary in an interview to local daily has claimed that venue is completed and is ready for the event. “The construction works have been completed and we are ready to host the event” said Chaudhary
But when WrestlingTV reached out to the Indian team players participating in the event, they were far from being impressed. According to one of the player who did not wanted to get quoted clearly said, “Venue is too small. It is not fit to host international event like SAF Games. We are also disappointed with the accommodation facilities provided to us. Overall its not a great experience”
PICTURES of the VENUE – 10 DAYS BACK
“The training facilities, coaches room, athletes rest room and other amenities are far from being satisfactory” said the another senior female player from the Indian squad.
The hall has a capability of accommodating just 700-800 spectators. But some arrangements are being made to put up a big screen outside the stadium so that more spectators can watch the wrestling matches outside the covered hall. The mega sporting event of South Asia has returned to Nepal after nine years. For the first time in the country’s SAG history, the games are being hosted in three cities. Of the total 26 games, Pokhara is hosting only eight events after paragliding was removed from the previous list citing little participation, whereas wrestling is the only one that is being hosted by Janakpur. The only metropolitan city of Province 2, Janakpur is known for producing national level wrestlers.
A total of 32 man wrestlers from five countries and 28 woman wrestlers from four countries are competing under seven categories each for 20 golds. The matches will be held from December 6 through 9. Bhutan and Maldives have not participated in men’s wrestling while Pakistan has been confirmed not to take part in women’s wrestling.
Shweta is upcoming female sports journalist and one of the best as far as the sport of wrestling is concerned. Shweta tracks & reports on female wrestling in India. With deep understanding of Indian Sports and fitness industry, Shweta has uncanny knack to crack and report on exclusive stories
