The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has received the much-needed approval from the Sports Ministry to send india wrestling team to the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Amman, Jordan, from March 25-30.
This marks a crucial development for Indian wrestling, as the wrestlers had earlier missed out on key ranking series tournaments due to administrative hurdles.
With this clearance, some of India’s most promising wrestlers, including Aman Sehrawat, Jaideep, Meenakshi, Manisha, and Priya, will finally get the chance to compete on the international stage after months of uncertainty.
A Crucial Return to International Wrestling
The Asian Championships will be the first major international event for Indian wrestlers since the Paris Olympics 2024. While India did participate in the World Championships for non-Olympic weight categories in Tirana, Albania, last October, many top wrestlers, including Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat, have been out of competition for an extended period.
WFI’s ongoing suspension by the Sports Ministry since December 2023 has been a major hurdle, preventing the federation from sending teams to ranking series events in Zagreb and Tirana earlier this year. The turning point reportedly came after WFI President Sanjay Singh’s meeting with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on February 23, which led to a positive shift in communication between the federation and the ministry.
Selection Process for the Asian Championships
With the approval secured, the selection of the Indian squad for the Asian Championships will follow a two-step process:
1. Federation Cup (March 8-9, Jalandhar)
• This domestic tournament will feature participation from India’s top wrestlers, including Antim Panghal, Udit, and Sujeet Kalkal.
• However, Aman Sehrawat and Tokyo Olympian Deepak Punia are expected to skip this event.
2. Talent Hunt (March 11-12, Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi)
• The top three finishers from each weight category in the Federation Cup and medallists from the National Championships (December 2024) will compete in a final selection trial.
• The final Asian Championships squad will be selected from this talent hunt, ensuring that only the best wrestlers represent India in Jordan.
This transparent selection process is being closely monitored by the Sports Ministry, which had previously instructed WFI to “follow proper procedures” in team selection.
Why the Asian Championships Matter for India
Having already missed two ranking series events, the Asian Championships holds significant importance for Indian wrestlers for multiple reasons:
1. Qualifying for the World Championships – The tournament is a mandatory event for wrestlers aiming to compete at the World Championships later this year. Missing it would be a massive setback for India’s Olympic hopefuls.
2. International Ranking Points – With India absent from previous ranking events, wrestlers have fallen behind in the global rankings. A strong performance in Jordan can help them regain crucial ranking points.
3. Building Momentum Before Paris 2024 Qualification Events – With the Olympic qualification cycle in full swing, Indian wrestlers need international exposure to prepare for the final rounds of Paris 2024 qualification.
However, WFI is also facing financial difficulties, with the federation reportedly receiving a ₹44 lakh invoice from organizers of the ranking series events that India missed. Despite these challenges, the approval for the Asian Championships is a positive step forward.
India’s Performance in Previous Asian Championships
At the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024, India concluded the event with a total of nine medals:
• Men’s freestyle wrestlers won three medals
• Women’s wrestlers secured six medals
• Greco-Roman wrestlers failed to win any medals
With a stronger squad and a structured selection process in place for 2025, Indian wrestling fans will be hoping for an improved performance in Jordan.
Key Wrestlers to Watch Out For
1. Aman Sehrawat (Men’s Freestyle, 57kg)
• Paris Olympics bronze medallist
• One of India’s top wrestlers, known for his agility and technical prowess.
• Eager to return to international competition after a long break.
2. Jaideep (Men’s Freestyle, 74kg)
• A rising star in the 74kg category.
• Has shown promise in domestic tournaments.
3. Meenakshi (Women’s Wrestling, 50kg)
• Among India’s top women wrestlers.
• A potential medal contender in Jordan.
4. Manisha (Women’s Wrestling, 53kg)
• Has consistently performed well in national tournaments.
• Expected to make an impact in the Asian Championships.
5. Priya (Women’s Wrestling, 57kg)
• An emerging wrestler with great potential.
• Will be looking to establish herself on the international stage.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Wrestling Championships 2025 is a golden opportunity for India’s wrestlers to make a strong comeback after months of uncertainty. With the Sports Ministry finally approving the team’s participation, the focus now shifts to the selection process and preparation for the tournament.
If India’s top wrestlers can deliver strong performances, it will not only boost their rankings but also set the stage for a successful run leading up to the World Championships and the Paris Olympics.
All eyes will now be on the Federation Cup (March 8-9) and the Talent Hunt (March 11-12), which will determine the final squad for Jordan. Best of luck to all the Indian wrestlers!
#AsianChampionships #Wrestling #TeamIndia #WFI
