quandary, India Wrestlers in a send depleted team for Zagreb

The disappointing state of affairs points to the administrative mess that Indian wrestling is in ahead of the Paris Olympics

- Avishek Roy

A depleted Indian wrestling team will participate in the year's first international event --Zagreb Open Ranking Series -- from January 10-14.

India will have wrestlers in only 13 of the 18 Olympic divisions in an event that is crucial to determine seedings for the two upcoming Paris Olympics qualifiers.

The disappointing state of affairs points to the administrative mess that Indian wrestling is in an Olympic year. The 18-member team that was picked for the Hangzhou Asian Games was also to go to Zagreb, but with five wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia (thumb injury) and Antim Panghal, withdrawing, no replacement was named.

"The wrestlers from the Asian Games squad who gave their consent for the ranking series have been included since the deadline was near," said an official in the know of things.

Interestingly, the entry list of the world body, UWW, for Zagreb announced on January 1 does not contain any Indian wrestler's name. However, an official said: "The entries have been accepted and it will be updated." It was learnt that many wrestlers had reached out to the IOA-appointed ad hoc panel for their inclusion since more than one wrestler per country can participate in ranking events.