National wrestling academy to come up in Sonepat

BS Malik

Sonepat, February 26

The Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare has sanctioned a National Wrestling Academy at the North Regional Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) near Joshi Chauhan village in the district.

This is the outcome of the outstanding performance of state wrestlers, including women in national and international events.

The Centre’s Regional Director, Lalita Sharma, said the academy will start functioning from the coming academic session for the senior and junior wings and in the beginning 100 youngsters will be enrolled.

Renowned wrestling coach, Satish Rana has been appointed as the chief coach. He is providing his services at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium in Delhi and for training the Indian squads.

He told TNS that a proposal had been submitted to the ministry about the number of wrestlers to be enrolled in each weight category and the training and other facilities to be provided to them. After clearance from the ministry, the The decision has brought cheer to young and budding wrestlers who used to practice in the Haryana Wrestling Academy being run by government in Subhash stadium with no advanced facilities.