UWW Say No To Bar On Indian Wrestlers

The global governing body of wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), has said that there is no threat to the participation of Indian wrestlers at international competitions. The president of UWW, Nenad Lalovic clarified this in a statement today. This ends speculation about the participation of Indian wrestlers in international competitions after UWW wrote to its members to “suspend relations” with the Indian federation.

He said that he would like to clarify the position of United World Wrestling in response to the recent news report pertaining to the Wrestling Federation of India. This week, United World Wrestling sent a letter to all its national federations to communicate that following recent world sporting events, the current climate in India is sensitive for hosting competitions.

Lalovic added that the standard protocol for all UWW events is for host nations and organizing committees for allowing willing and eligible nations are able to participate in their events. This has not changed and also the communication is not exceptional. Also, in no way was the communication meant to effect any Indian wrestlers seeking to compete at upcoming UWW events as they are unaffected.

Lalovic also had a word with Indian referee Ashok Kumar to personally clarify that Indian wrestlers are not barred from events. The earlier letter of UWW to its member associations had caused confusion in India. It was sent in the wake of two Pakistani shooters who are not being given visas by India for the shooting World Cup in New Delhi.

The 4th March letter, in reference to the rejection of visas to Pakistani shooters, had said that this behavior is against the chief principle of the Olympic Charter. The letter added that United World Wrestling suggests to all the affiliated or associated national wrestling federations for suspending their discussions or relations with the Indian Wrestling Federation until written guarantees will be obtained from the Indian government. Following this, various Indian wrestlers and coaches believed that they would not be allowed to participate in UWW events or go for training stints abroad.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sport/no-bar-on-indian-wrestlers-uww/739342.html