Big Disappointment for CWG Bound Wrestlers

The Commonwealth Games (CWG) is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. Indian wrestlers have always performed exceptionally well in the CWG’s. India has been ranked second after Canada by backing 90 medals, including 38 gold.

However, things are not that smooth and perfect this time. As per the plan, just like other athletics, the Indian wrestlers were to fly to Australia early for acclimatisation and training. But all this is just a dream now. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided that the wrestlers will arrive at the Athletes’ Village on April 10, only two days prior to the commencing of the wrestling competitions on April 12.

The participating men and women athletes wanted to reach early as acclimatisation forms an important part of any athlete’s event strategy. The WFI argued that they made efforts to arrange for training in countries like Japan, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, but they failed to receive positive response.

Hence, the WFI has decided that they would provide the athletes the same kind of training here in India itself. Double Olympics medallist Sushil Kumar has also arranged for a training stint in Georgia on his own expenses. The CWG bound wrestlers contend that for physical and mental preparation of the player, it is immensely important for them to reach the location beforehand.

When TOI, asked the WFI they stated that they are not so eager to send the athletes because they have failed to convince the CWG organisers on the idea of sending a chef along because many athletes are vegetarian and they always complain of food, but sadly the CWG did not allow for the same.

By: Anuja Arora

Content:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/commonwealth-games-2018/wrestlers-in-quandary-ahead-of-cwg-to-reach-australia-on-april-10/articleshow/63375283.cms