Waiting Game Continues for Wrestlers Off the Mat

With participation at Ranking Series uncertain, selected grapplers yet to get appointment to meet sports minister to resolve matter

- FIROZ MIRZA @ Chennai

The drama has once again shifted to the sports minister's doorstep. Some four months ago, Indian wrestlers were forced to stay put at sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's residence in New Delhi to ensure they got to compete at the 2024 World Championships scheduled in Tirana, Albania from October 28 to 31.

In a repeat of what they did last year, wrestlers are once again seeking an appointment with Mandaviya to make sure they compete at the second Ranking Series scheduled from February 26 to March 2 in the same city. They did try to meet the minister on Saturday but to no avail as he was out of town.

The participation holds more importance as they had already missed the first Ranking Series held in Zagreb, Croatia earlier this month.

"We did the same in October last year and are now being forced to do it again. How long do we have to suffer?" rued wrestler Manisha, who is selected in the 65kg weight category for the Tirana event.