New Delhi, Sep 4 (Sports news) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday felicitated Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu here for bringing laurels to the country in weightlifting and exhorted her not to be content with the silver medal and to aim for gold next time.

The 27-year-old sportsperson, appointed as an additional superintendent of police in her home state Manipur after the recent win at the summer games, was honoured during the 51st Raising Day celebrations of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), a central government think tank.

Shah presented the athlete with a shawl and memento.

He said Chanu brought honour for the country by winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympic games and is now a proud member of the police force.

"I thank her for her hardwork and dedication," the home minister added.

"When I met her on the stage to honour her, I wished her success. Everyone, from the prime minister of the country to the common man, has applauded her and rejoiced in her victory." "I want to tell her that she should not be content with a silver medal but should now aim for a gold. The entire country is waiting for it," Shah said.

He acknowledged the "struggles" undertaken by Chanu mentioning that she used to take "lift" in trucks to reach the place where she trained.

Shah said much more needed to be done for athletes in terms of providing them facilities.

Also read: BPRD honours Tokyo Olympic Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu

The BPR&D had earlier said that this honour for the Olympic winner was "a small gesture to welcome her to the fraternity on behalf of the Indian police." Chanu had clinched a silver medal in the 49kg category weightlifting that opened India's account at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics. India won a total of seven medals at these games.

The home minister also gave away trophies and medals for excellence in training to winner states/union territories and central police organisations and forces, and seven authors who wrote on policing subjects in Hindi.

The BPR&D, an organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs, was founded in August 1970. 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Sep 3 (Sports news): Union Home Minister Amit Shah felicitated Olympic silver medal winner Mirabai Chanu today for bringing laurels for the country in weightlifting.

The 27-year-old sportsperson, appointed as an Additional Superintendent of Police in her home state Manipur after her recent win, was honoured during the 51st Raising Day celebrations of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), a central government think tank.

"This is a small gesture by the BPR&D to welcome her (Saikhom Mirabai Chanu) to the fraternity on behalf of the Indian police," an official statement said.

Chanu had clinched a silver medal in weightlifting in the 49kg category that opened India's achievement account at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics.

During the event, the home minister also give away trophies and medals for excellence in training to winner state and central police organisations and forces and will also award seven authors who wrote on policing subjects in Hindi, the statement said.

The BPRD, an organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs, was founded in August, 1970.

Also read: Shuttlers Bhagat, Suhas enter badminton finals as Manoj and Tarun lose in semifinals at the Tokyo Paralympics

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 31 (Wrestling news) The trials for the World Championship opened with confusion, anguish and hesitancy when WFI President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh announced that only those wrestlers will be allowed to compete who will submit a hard copy of their contracts with private sponsors.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has claimed that sports NGOs like OGQ and JSW are spoiling their athletes and will not allow them to interfere in the affairs of elite wrestlers.

Singh has said if the NGOs want to support the game and the athletes, they are welcome, but "secret contracts" will not be allowed.

WFI says they have enough funds from main sponsors, Tata Motors, to offer better contracts to deserving wrestlers.

"No one will be allowed to compete if they will not submit the details of their contracts with private sponsors," Singh announced to the gathering at the KD Jadhav wrestling stadium at the IG Stadium where trials were held.

It created a bit of chaos as the wresters stopped their warm-up and started discussing what they need to do now.

Not all wrestlers who had assembled had sponsorships but it did spark anguish among those who have financial backing but did not want to reveal the details. None of them was carrying a hard copy of their contracts.

There were discussion in hushed tones and hesitancy.

Soon, it was announced that wrestlers who do not have hard copy of their contracts, can give an undertaking that they will submit it later.

It was mentioned in the undertaking that WFI can take disciplinary action against them if they furnish incorrect details in the declaration or undertaking. "This is dictatorial attitude. It's not done. Is it a crime to get support?," said a wrestler, who obviously did not wish to be named.

Also read: Vinesh out, Sangeeta in; juniors day out at the senior World Championship trials

However, the wrestlers had no option but to give undertaking.

WFI boss, though, said they do not want to create fear among wrestlers or harm their interest.

"We had informed everyone, when trial date was announced that everyone has to provide their private sponsorship details with us, it is not that we asked them this morning," said Singh.

"We just want to see how can we offer them better contracts, so just need to know what they are getting presently." 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 31 (Wrestling news) There was no end to Vinesh Phogat's woes as the struggling wrestler withdrew mid-way from the World Championship trials even as her cousin sister Sangeeta (62kg) made a stupendous comeback to mat after three years by sealing her spot in the Indian team, here on Tuesday.

All eyes were on Vinesh, who was suspended by the WFI earlier this month for indiscipline before being let off with a warning, but she looked vulnerable from the beginning.

Vinesh, one of the most successful woman wrestlers in India, was far from her dominant self in her 10-5 win in the opening bout against Anju in the 55kg category and did not take mat against Pinki, who eventually sealed her place for the Championships, scheduled to be held from October 2-10. Anju employed the same head-lock technique that Belarus' Vanesa had applied against Vinesh in the Tokyo Olympics, never allowing the the Asian champion play her game.

Much to everyone's surprise, she did not take mat in the next round.

"I don't know what happened to me. It's not injury. I felt dizzy," Vinesh said, sitting in the practice arena.

Vinesh had said she went blanked in her Tokyo Olympics quarterfinal and even struggled to complete take down move.

She was still smiling but could not hide her disappointment.

"My body is not the same. I am consulting a doctor for this (medical issue). Maybe the coronavirus infection has affected my body," she said.

Sangeet Phogat, who married Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia last year, returned to mat after two knee surgeries and surprised herself with confident victories.

She first beat junior world championship silver medallist Sanju Devi by technical superiority and then beat Manisha 9-5 in the fast-paced final to claim her spot in Indian team in the 62kg category.

Her counter moves resembled that of Bajrang, who was in her coach corner during the bouts.

The 23-year-old had undergone a right knee surgery in 2018, missing the World Championship and then required another operation on her left knee in 2019 before the trials for the Asian championship.

"This performance give me confidence that I will be a medal contender at the Worlds. I could really do what I wanted to do. The training in USA for months and consistent support from Bajrang helped me," Sangeeta told PTI.

"While my father (Mahavir Phogat) has trained me on the mat, Bajrang keeps me motivated and also chips in with his inputs," she said adding that next year's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games are also on "my radar".

Bajrang said the result was beyond expectations.

"Honestly, we just wanted to see how her knees behave, if they hold. We did not expect to win. I just told her to give her best," he said.

Also read: Ligament tear rules Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia out of World Championship, brings early end to his 2021 season

In the same 62kg category, Rio bronze medallist Sakshi Malik was knocked out by Manisha.

The youngsters, who recently competed and did well at the junior World Championships, outperformed many seniors. As many as five of them booked their slots in the team ahead of the seniors.

Shubham Kaushik first stunned senior national champion Pankaj 8-3 and then beat Railways' Arun 8-4 to win the 57kg trials.

Yash Tushir, who won a bronze in Russia in junior worlds, outclassed veteran Amit Dhankar in 74kg final. Gourav Balian, who had also won a bronze, outwitted Narsingh Pancham Yadav in a fast-paced final.

Pruthviraj Basaheb Patil (92kg) and Anirudh Gulia (125kg), who won a bronze each in junior worlds also qualified.

Ravinder Dahiya (61kg), Rohit (65kg), Sushil (70kg), Sandeep Mann (86kg) and Satywart Kadian (97) were other winners.

Among women wrestlers, Anshu Malik was also not her best but still won the place in the 57kg with wins over Mansi (TSU) and senior pro Lalita (2-0).

"I have an issue with my left elbow, that's why I could not play freely. I gained good experience in Tokyo though I could not do well. It's just a start for me at the senior level, I will get better," she said.

Experienced Sarita Mor (59kg) Divya Kakran (72kg), who was show-caused by WFI for indiscipline, also qualified along with Hanny (50kg), Pooja Jatt (53kg), Bhateri (65kg), Ritu Malik (68kg) and Kiran (76kg). 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 27 (Wrestling news) The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Tata Motors, who became national sponsors of the sport in 2018, on Friday announced extension of their partnership till the 2024 Olympics.

It was also announced that apart from the scholarships to 60 juniors, 30 talented wrestlers, to be identified by the WFI, will be adopted by Tata Motors.

All of their training expenses, exposure trips to foreign countries will be covered under the junior development program and will also be given assistance to manage injuries through physios.

The WFI will keep evaluating their performances.

The moderator, who conducted the virtual Q&A session, though dodged the question on financial aspect of the deal, saying it worked under a "well-defined" criteria. WFI President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, though, enthused by Tata Motors' backing, urged the company to even support the wrestling league.

Also read: UP government adopts Indian wrestling till 2032 Olympics

"The elite wrestlers always get support but we could take this support to the wrestlers in rural areas, from cream (of Indian wrestling) to villages and that is the contribution of Tata Motors," Singh said.

"We have to take it from A (top) to Z (bottom). There were some other who came out to support but they only supported specific wrestlers but Tata have supported the game.

"I even want to say that they now handle the league also. Make it Tata Wrestling League now," he said.

To this, Girish Wagh, the Executive Director & President – Commercial Vehicle Business Unit of Tata Motors, said, "This partnership is evolving and we will evaluate the suggestion".

The WFI boss said they will now be able to extend support to the state and district associations, who have to spend money from their own pocket to conduct regional tournaments.

A national training centre is also being planned where the wrestlers can train and get assistance to manage their injuries.

All seven Indian wrestlers, who competed at the Olympics, were handed car keys during the programme. 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 26 (Wrestling news) In a massive boost for the Indian wrestling, the Uttar Pradesh government has adopted the sport and is expected to pump in an investment of Rs 170 crore in infrastructure and support to the wrestlers till the 2032 Olympics, WFI President Brijbhushan Sharan Singh told PTI.

The top boss of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said that they took inspiration from the Odisha government's support to the sport of hockey and they approached the UP government for a similar assistance to their game.

"Odisha is a small state, yet they are supporting hockey in such a great manner, so we thought, why can't UP, which is such a big state, support wrestling. We approached them and the CM Yogi Adityanath has accepted it," Singh said.

"In our proposal, we have asked for Rs 10 crore support every year till the 2024 Games (Rs 30 crore) and in the next Olympic cycle till 2028, we have asked for a support of Rs 15 crore per year (Rs 60 crore) and in the final phase till 2032, it is Rs 20 crore per year (Rs 80 crore)," he said explaining the details.

"With this happening, sponsorships will not be restricted to just country's elite wrestlers. Even the Cadet level wrestlers will get sponsorship and we wil able to give prize money to even national champions." The WFI had also roped in Tata Motors in 2018 as principal sponsors of Indian wrestling, a partnership which had brought with it a financial support of Rs 12 crore that allowed the federation to give away central contracts to wrestlers till the Tokyo Games.

It has been learnt that the partnership will be renewed on Friday with a fresh deal.

The WFI President said this deal with the UP government will allow them to plan exposure trips to foreign countries even for India's Cadet level wrestlers.

"As of now, only the senior and elite level wrestlers have personal coaches and guidance of foreign coaches. But we can even invest heavily in training of our cadet and junior wrestlers also.

Also read: Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya to miss World Championship

"Now we can send our Cadet wrestlers abroad for training and exposure. We need to take wrestling to the next level," he said.

WFI already extends a financial support to 60 junior (Rs 7500 per month stipend) and Cadet (Rs 5000 per month) wrestlers. It remains to be seen that after such a deal with a state government, if WFI allows private NGOs like JSW and OGQ to support wrestling.

Asked about this, Singh said the door is open but with a condition.

"We actually did not need them even before. But if they want to support, they are welcome. All we want is that they stay transparent with WFI. They can't make their own secret deals with the wrestlers. If at all they want to help, they can sit with us and prepare plans with us," Singh said.

The WFI chief said it sends wrestlers to the foreign countries for exposure and training but they want to put a system in place where top international wrestlers come to India and train here.

"Let me tell you that we will have state-of-the-art wrestling academies in India for both men and women. One academy in Lucknow will surely come up and we are hopeful that another is developed in Noida, where we will invite international wrestlers to come, stay and train with our wrestlers.

"I told the CM that we want international wrestlers to come to India. It should help our Indian wrestlers. Why should they go out all the time and stay away. We will give them best sparring partners in India." Asked if there is change of guard at the state level in coming years, will the deal stay?, Singh said, "Cabinet decisions will continued to be followed, irrespective of who leads the state government. It remains a UP government project." 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 25 (Wrestling news) Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya says he has decided to give the upcoming wrestling World Championship a miss since he did not get time to prepare for the selection trials that WFI is organising next week to pick the Indian team for the prestigious tournament.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will conduct trials on Tuesday for the Worlds, set to be held in Oslo, Norway from October 2-10.

Dahiya and other Tokyo Games medal winners have been hopping from one state to another for the numerous felicitation functions being organised in their honour.

"I don't want to be on the mat unprepared. What's the point in competing without enough practice. So I have to miss the World Championship because I don't want to go to the trials without enough practice," the soft-spoken Dahiya told PTI.

Also read: Ligament tear rules Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia out of World Championship, brings early end to his 2021 season

Dahiya will be the second big star missing from the Indian line-up as Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia has also been forced out due to a ligament tear in his right knee. "I will try to compete in one or two tournaments before the season ends after I begin serious training from next month," he said.

Dahiya, though, did not complain when asked if too many functions are bothering him.

"How do you say 'no' to them? They are your own people, who want to show respect and honour you. The only thing is I get tired," he said. It was expected that Dahiya will compete in the 61kg category instead of his usual 57kg class at the Worlds since reducing and maintaining weight is a huge issue for the wrestlers.

A lot of effort goes in cutting weight as they not only give up on food, sometimes go without water for long hours.

Dahiya did not mind that WFI did not exempt him from trials.

"The federation is doing the right thing by calling for trials. They know what is best. I don't mind appearing in trials," he said adding that he will soon convey his decision to the federation.

WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar said there was nothing wrong in asking star wrestlers to appear for trials.

"We have to prepare the second line also. We have to give chance to everyone to stake their claim to be on the national team, so all have to come to trials," Tomar said.

The 23-year-old Dahiya said he has been busy to the extent that he even could not spend time with his family after returning from Tokyo.

"I went home last week and that too for only about two hours. There was not enough time. The only other time I met my father was at the airport when we came back," Dahiya, son of a farmer from the Nahri Village in Haryana, said.

Meanwhile, there was still no clarity on the participation of three wrestlers -- Vinesh Phogat, Sonam Malik and Divya Kakran -- in the trials since the WFI has not yet taken a decision on their respective issues.

Vinesh was suspended for indiscipline during the Tokyo Games while Sonam was sent a show-cause notice for misconduct. Divya was also sent a notice for remarks by his father against the federation.

Both Sonam and Divya have apologised for their behaviour.

Vinesh also tendered unconditional apology for not wearing the official kit during her bouts but "respectfully" disagreed on charges that she did not train and stay with fellow Indian wrestlers in Tokyo.

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 23 (Wrestling news) Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will not compete in the upcoming wrestling World Championships after being advised a six-week rehabilitation to treat the ligament tear he suffered in his right knee in run up to the Tokyo Games.

The World Championships will be held in Oslo, Norway from October 2-10 and Bajrang will not be able to begin his mat training until the rehabilitation programme is compete.

Bajrang recently underwent an MRI scan to know the extent of the injury he suffered in Russia in June before the Olympics and consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who heads the Centre for Sports Medicine at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

"It's a ligament tear and I have been asked to follow a rehabilitation programme for six weeks by Dr Dinshaw. I won't be able to compete at the World Championship," Bajrang told PTI.

There is no ranking series event lined up in the remainder of the year and Bajrang said his season is over. "The Worlds was the only major championship in the calender for this year. I don't see myself competing in any other tournament this season," he added.

Bajrang had suffered the injury in the run up to the Tokyo Games when he competed at a Russian tournament -- Ali Aliyev in June.

Bajrang had forfeited his semi-finals against Abulmazhid Kudiev, who got hold of the Indian's right leg and pulled him abruptly in the first period of the bout.

The impact had an effect on Bajrang's right knee and the limping grappler immediately quit the mat but competed at the Olympics and won a bronze in 65kg category.

"Since it was my first Olympics and I had a dream to win an Olympic medal, I competed through pain in Tokyo. I had to do it." Bajrang said he was not consulting any specific physiotherapist for his rehabilitation.

"I am doing it myself in Sonepat. Dr. Dinshaw has advised a few exercises, that I am doing everyday now in gym. The mat-training time will also go into the rehab," he said.

Also read: Wrestler Ravi Malik loses bronze play-off in just 42 seconds

The 27-year-old said he wants to continue with his Georgian coach Shako Bentinidis, who has now left for his country since the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is yet to offer him a fresh contract.

The WFI will have a meeting with the wrestlers to gather feedback regarding all the foreign coaches involved with the Indian wrestlers before deciding on their fresh contracts.

While Bajrang trained with Bentinidis, Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya had a personal coach in Russia's Kamal Malikov.

Deepak Punia also had a Russian coach in Murad Gaidarov, who was expelled from Tokyo for assaulting the referee, who had officiated the bronze medal play-off that the Indian had lost to San Marino's Myles Nazim Amine.

The WFI had then terminated the services of Gaidarov.

Sources in the WFI said Ravi's coach Malikov will certainly get a fresh contract and even as the federation is still not completely satisfied with the performance of Bentinidis, it will still consider Bajrang's request if he wants to continue with him.

News source: PTI

Ufa (Russia), Aug 22 (Wrestling news) The Indian Greco Roman contingent will return without any medal from the junior world championship as Ravi Malik lost his 82kg bronze medal play-off by technical superiority in just 42 seconds here on Sunday.

Up against Saba Mamaladze from Georgia, Malik made a move but his rival was quick to respond with a counter-attack. Mamaladze then pulled off a four-pointer to almost seal the issue.

Malik was the only Indian Greco Roman wrestler to reach the medal round.

He began with a 6-0 win over Estonia's Robin Uspenski and followed that up with a 18-9 victory over Kyrgyzstan's Zhenish Humnabekov, who got three cautions in the quarterfinal bout.

Also read: Three Indians assured of medals at ASBC Asian Youth & Junior Boxing Championships

Malik, however, could not do much against Armenia's Karen Khachatryan in the semifinal, which he lost by technical superiority.

Narinder Cheema (97kg) was only the second Indian wrestler who managed to win two bouts and he got the reward by getting back into the competition through the repechage round on Saturday.

But he lost his repechage round by technical superiority to Norway's Marcus Worren to go out of the bronze medal race in Sunday's morning session.

Vikas (72kg) and Deepak (77kg) managed first round wins before losing while Anup (55kg), Vikas (60kg), Anil (63kg), Deepak (67kg), Sonu (87kg) and Parvesh (130kg) all exited after losing their respective first round bouts.

India's men's free style wrestlers won six medals while the women won five medals and finished third in the team championship.

News source: PTI

Ufa (Russia), Aug 19 (Wrestling news) A tenacious Sanju Devi (62kg) and a confident Saneh (72kg) entered the semifinals of the junior wrestling world championships while Bhateri also joined them in the last-four stage, taking advantage of a favourable draw, here on Thursday.

She may not look athletic but Sanju was quick with her moves and reflexes as she beat Germany's Lusia Schrel 5-2 and then erased a 0-3 deficit to edge past Croatia's Iva Geric 4-3 in the quarterfinals.

Saneh hardly had any problem in dispatching Kseniya Patapovich of Belarus 6-2 in her opening round and remained untroubled against Mongolia's Tsogzolmaa Dorjsuren, winning 7-0.

Also read: Simran and Biapasha move into semis; Yash makes men's freestyle bronze round in the Junior world championship

Saneh's four-pointer on a double-leg attack stood out.

In other matches involving Indian girls, Pinki (53kg) made a promising start to lead 5-4 and 7-6 with a terrific four-point throw but Turkey's Emine Cakmak never looked in a jittery as she pulled off timely take-down moves to snatch the bout with a 12-7 scoreline.

Mansi, competing in 57kg category, began with a confident 16-4 win over American Claire Marie Dicugno but was outplayed by Turkey's Elvira Kamaloglu 1-9 in the quarterfinals.

Elvira effected two stunning four-pointer on counter-attacks to pull away. 

News source: PTI

Ufa (Russia), Aug 18 (Wrestling news) Young Indian wrestler Simran moved into the women's 50kg semifinals with dominant wins while Bipasha (76kg) also made it to the last-four stage at the junior world championships here on Wednesday.

Showing much promise for future, Simran first beat Romania's Georgiana Lavinia Antuca by technical superiority without conceding a point and then pulled off a victory by 'fall' in the high-scoring quarterfinal against Gultakin Shirinova of Azerbaijan.

Also read: Wrestler Ravinder earns semifinal spot at junior world championships

The quarterfinal was fast with moves and counter moves across the two periods but eventually Simran got hold of Shirinova for a pin when she was leading 18-8.

Bipasha was slow off the blocks but managed a 6-3 win over Kazakhstan's Dilnaz Mulkinova.

However, Sito (55kg), Kusum (59kg) and Arju (68kg) lost their respective quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, in the men's free style competition, Yash (74kg) scored a confident 9-2 win over Armen Musikyan from Armenia to advance to the bronze play-off.

Also progressing to the bronze medal rounds were Pruthivraj Babasaheb Patil (92kg) and Anirudh (125kg), who defeated Uzbekistan's Mukhammadrasul Rakhimov and Hungary's Csaba Ubornyak, respectively.

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 17 (Sports news) Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu on Tuesday said her next target is to win a medal at the 2022 Asian Games and she also aims to change the colour of her medal to gold at the Paris Olympics in three years time.

Chanu had ended India's over two-decade long wait for a weightlifting medal at the Olympics, clinching the 49kg category silver medal at the Tokyo Games.

Now back to the country, Chanu said she is focussing on the Asian Games gold medal, which remains the only accolade missing from her cabinet.

"My target is now Asian Games, where there is no medal in weightlifting. I would try my best to bring a medal for India in weight lifting from the 2022 Asian Games," Chanu said during a virtual press conference where she was unveiled as brand ambassador of Amway Nutrilite.

"After that in 2024 (Paris Olympics), I will try to convert this silver medal into Gold." Chanu had won a silver and a gold at the 2014 and 2018 Commonweath Games respectively. In between, she also won the World Championships title in 2017.

She also has a bronze medal from the 2020 Asian Championships but an Asian Games medal is missing.

The 27-year-old from Manipur had pulled out of the 2018 Asian Games after failing to recover from a lower back injury, which also forced her to withdraw from the World Championships.

Also read: Olympic medal effect: Mirabai Chanu already seeing heightened interest in weightlifting

Chanu acknowledged the contribution of her coach Vijay Sharma in her journey of becoming an Olympic medallist.

"The more I would say, less it would be (Jitna bolu wo kam rahega)," she said.

"Whenever my training was bad or I had an injury, he always stood by me ... he has always supported me and motivated me," she said, adding he never let her feel low in any of the defeats.

Chanu said Sharma treated her "like a daughter" and wished that "the coming players, especially girls, should get a coach like him." The 27-year-old from Manipur also urged girls to take up sports and stressed on the importance of family support.

"I just want to say that the young players, especially girls, there is a perception that girls cannot achieve anything, which is wrong. They can do a lot of things, they have lot of power inside them," Chanu said.

While family responsibilities should not be neglected, she said girls should also express their inner power to do something.

"All girls must have seen such dreams that 'I can also do'. Why can't girls do?" Chanu said exhorting girls to take up weightlifting and do training.

"I request the families to support their girls in the sport, to go ahead in the fields which they are aspiring," she signed off. 

News source: PTI

Ufa (Russia), Aug 17 (Wrestling news) Upcoming Indian wrestler Ravinder showed tremendous defense skills to reach the 61kg semifinals of the junior world championship here on Monday even as three of his compatriots bit the dust in the quarterfinals.

In the action-packed pre-quarterfinal against Ivan Hramyka from Belarus, Ravinder's agility stood out as he won 5-2. Ivan had good attacking style but the Indian's better stamina helped him immensely.

In the quarterfinal against Brunei's Alibeg Alibegov, Ravinder's superior defense was on display.

Alibeg got hold of Ravinder's right leg and then also initiated a dangerous-looking double leg attack but on both occasions, Ravinder used his power and brain to wriggle out.

He will now fight it out with Armeina's Levik Mikayelyan for a place in the gold medal match.

Also read: Wrestlers Gourav Balian and Deepak move to semifinals of junior world championship

Ravinder had won a silver medal at Under-23 World championship in 2019.

Among Other Indians in action, Yash (74kg) lost in pre-quarterfinals while Vetal Shelkle (86kg), Pruthviraj Patil (92kg) and Aniruddh (125kg) lose their respective quarterfinals.

Going out of medal contention were Shubham (57kg) and Rohit (65kg), who lost their respective repechage rounds.

News source: PTI

Ufa (Russia), Aug 16 (Wrestling news) Wrestlers Gourav Balian (79kg) and Deepak (97kg) progressed to the semifinals of the junior world championship but three other Indians suffered defeats at different stages of the competition, here on Monday.

Baliyan, who had attempted to stake claim in the senior Indian team in the 74kg trials last year, beat his rivals without any fuss.

He began by defeating Tajikistan's Abubakr Shukurov by technical superiority as his two four-point throws stood out. Baliyan then got past Russia's Alik Badtiev 5-2 in the quarterfinals.

He is now up against Iran's Mohammad Ashghar Nokhodilarimi, who had won the senior title at the Yasar Dogu event in June this year.

Also read: Shubhankar Sharma finishes T-9, records second Top-10 of 2021 season

Deepak opened his campaign with a 5-1 win over Aliaksei Parkhomenka from Belarus and followed that up with a commanding 9-4 victory against Georgia's Luka Khutchua.

He will fight it out with America's Braxton James Amos, who has switched to men's free style from Greco Roman.

In the 57kg competition, Shubham was no match for Russia's Ramazan Bagavudinov, whose superior technical acumen was on display in the quarterfinal bout.

Jaideep (70kg) and Rohit (65kg) won their opening bouts but later lost the quarterfinals to their respective Russian opponents.

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Aug 13 (Olympic news) Young wrestler Sonam Malik on Friday responded to the notice she received from the national federation for "misconduct", conveying that she won't repeat the mistake even as Vinesh Phogat's emotional outburst could not cut ice with the sports body.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had on Tuesday suspended Vinesh for indiscipline on three counts during the Tokyo Olympics and also issued notice to 19-year-old Sonam, who had sought help of SAI staff in procuring her passport before leaving for the Games.

"Sonam has replied to the notice and promised that she won't repeat it. The federation will soon take a decision on the matter," a WFI source said.

Vinesh has spoken about the mental trauma she has been going through post her Tokyo Olympics debacle but it seems it has not convinced the WFI. She wrote that she may not return to the mat.

Also read: The inspiring life story of Tokyo Olympics 2021 Silver Medalist Ravi Kumar Dahiya

"The federation is awaiting a response to the notice. WFI has nothing to do with what she writes otherwise," said the source.

Vinesh has time till August 16 to respond to WFI.

The federation had said the Vinesh threw tantrums after reaching Tokyo from Hungary. She not only refused to stay near her Indian teammates but she also did not train with them during the competition, according to the WFI.

Vinesh also chose to wear the name of a private sponsor on her singlet instead of the Indian contingent official sponsor, forcing the WFI to suspend her.

Several phone calls to Vinesh went unanswered.

News source: PTI