Keen to make a career in wrestling, many Haryana athletes try to come through neighbouring state Delhi by procuring fake certificates.
Deepak Punia's move to a higher weight category proved successful as he secured a spot in the Indian team for the Asian Games in the 97kg division. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal retained their places in the men's freestyle squad.
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia discusses the impact of the wrestlers' protest on his career and his aspirations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been notified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for a missed out-of-competition doping test dating back to December 18, 2025. This marks her first whereabouts failure in the last 12 months and triggers a warning under anti-doping regulations.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been notified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for a missed out-of-competition doping test dating back to December 18, 2025. This marks her first whereabouts failure in the last 12 months and serves as a warning under anti-doping rules.
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia showcased his dominance at the National Open Ranking Tournament, reaching the 92kg final without conceding a point. The event faced logistical challenges due to high participation, with weigh-ins delayed and medal rounds postponed.
'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'
Indian wrestlers will miss the second Ranking Series in Albania after the Sports Ministry withheld approval, citing the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) failure to submit necessary recommendations on time.
The trials will select top wrestlers to represent India at the Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan from March 25-30.
However, according to the latest developments, the WFI have now returned to Brij Bhushan's house after their failure to get a new premise because of the ban imposed by the Sports Ministry.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, aiming for gold at the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, focusing on self-improvement and rigorous training for upcoming challenges like the Asian Games and World Championships.
The Wrestling Federation of India conveyed to the world governing body UWW that the sports ministry is interfering with its autonomy.
Aman Sehrawat and junior grappler Neha Sangwan will be able to enter the auction for the upcoming edition of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL).
On speculation that Phogat might enter the political arena, Singh refused to comment saying it was a personal matter of the 30-year-old wrestler. He said he would extend full support to Phogat if she returns to competitive wrestling.
Former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has consistently denied the allegations.
Bajrang Punia banned, Phogat turns politician, WFI suspension, litigations, and lost medals: How Indian wrestling stagnated in 2024
Vinesh has been training with Woller Akos, her personal coach from Belgium and has also worked with South African mental conditioning coach Wayne Lombard.
Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat was suspended from all wrestling-related activities for one year after he failed to make weight at the Senior World Championships.
Sakshi, Bajrang accuse WFI of using devious means to get suspension lifted, threaten fresh protest
Antim was representing Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB).
'We will appear in the trials only if the ad-hoc panel or the government conducts it. How can a suspended body announce the trials.'
The medal count was nowhere close to satisfactory at the senior level but junior performances held out hope for a brighter future as Indian wrestling searched for new stars in a challenging 2025.
The Indian Olympic Association on Monday dissolved the ad-hoc committee for wrestling, saying "there is no further need" for it to continue after revocation of the suspension on the national federation, which now gets complete administrative control of the sport.
Sakshi Malik, one of the prominent faces of the agitation against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, welcomed the WFI's suspension.
Ministry declared that the WFI had demonstrated a clear disregard for established rules and regulations.
A defiant Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will challenge its suspension by the Sports Ministry in court next week and has also called for an Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi on January 16 to discuss the way forward.
The trials are being held to select the teams for the Asian Championships and Asian Olympic Games Qualifiers, both scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The ministry felt the new WFI body was working under the complete control of its former office-bearers, which was not in conformity with the National Sports Code.
Sports Ministry requests IOA to constitute ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs
Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia urged world governing body UWW to reimpose suspension on Wrestling Federation of India.
The WFI, while announcing the trials on March 10-11, also included the names of Bajrang (65kg freestyle), Vinesh (55kg) and Sakshi (62kg), who had announced her retirement from the sport in "frustration" the day Sanjay Singh was elected president.
The ministry, while suspending the newly-formed WFI panel under president Sanjay Singh on December 24, three days after he was elected its head, had cited the office running from Brij Bhushan's residence as one of the reasons for taking the stringent action.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is gearing up for the senior National camp after almost 15 months with Delhi likely to replace Patiala as the venue because of the ongoing farmers' protest.
From wrestlers' protest to WFI elections: Timeline
Bhupinder Singh Bajwa will be the chairman of the panel with hockey Olympian M M Somaya and former international shuttler Manjusha Kanwar being the other two members.
Bajrang Punia has been handed a provisional suspension for refusing to give his sample for dope test during the recent trials.
Former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh pleaded not guilty.
The Sports Ministry said the suspended Wrestling Federation of India has no authority to conduct the Senior National Championships.
The Sports Ministry warned of legal action against suspended Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh for making 'absolutely baseless and mischievous' claims.
