Wrestlers get go-ahead for Worlds participation

Relief was written large on the faces of the members of Indian freestyle and women’s team as they emerged out after meeting sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya house.

Their six-hour sit-in had borne fruit as minister finally met them alongside Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh. The result, the team will now fly to Albania and take part after the minister assured them of all the help.

“Our wrestlers were ready to take part in the World championships. Their tickets were booked as well but because of a court issue it was halted. Today wrestlers met me and I have directed that court matters will be dealt in the courts but our wrestlers should take part in the Worlds and should be allowed to take part. They will now go and win medals for us,” Mandaviya said.

The WFI withdrew the tam for the World Championships on Thursday citing government interference as a standing sport ministry’s suspension order was restraining the body from selecting and then sending team entries and participate in international events.

Fearing for their careers, wrestlers trooped in the morning and began assembling outside Mandaviya’s house by noon on Friday. Despite making several requests, the wrestlers failed to meet anyone. In fact around 5 in the evening, the Delhi Police told the wrestlers to vacate the place as minister was not willing to meet them. However, a phone call with WFI president brought hope for the wrestlers.

“We spoke to him (minister) and he said in the interest of wrestlers we should send the team. He has asked us to request the UWW to ensure our team takes part. Rest everything will be taken care by the government. We will mail about this soon,” Singh said.

“He has also said he will take care of the contempt proceeding that has been filed by Satyawart Kadian and others,” the WFI president added.

Meanwhile, wrestlers were relieved that they would be taking part at the World Championships.

“We are tired since we had been waiting since the morning for this meeting now we are happy that we are going. I do not feel tired at all,” said a smiling Mansi.