Six Indian wrestlers have earned quota for the Paris Olympics in July and August. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has said that the national body will take a decision on who goes to the Summer Games, not the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). As per rules, the quotas won in respective weight categories are designated to the countries and not the athlete itself.
Singh said fresh trials will be conducted to pick the final squad for the showpiece event that gets underway on 26 July.
“Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will decide which wrestler will participate in the Paris Olympics, not IOA, and there will be fresh trials as well,” said Singh to news agency IANS.
“We have got approval/authority/recognition from the UWW (United World Wrestling). And it will be our duty to pick the team. How can IOA take that call,” Singh added.
There had been reports earlier which said IOA will take the decision in this regard.
In the recently concluded world qualifiers in Istanbul, which was the final qualifying event for the Olympics, Nisha Dahiya and Aman Sehrawat earned quotas to take India’s tally to six.
Antim Panghal (53kg) had become India’s first quota winner after winning a medal at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships. Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Anshu Malik (57kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) added to India’s tally at the continental qualifiers in Bishek last month.
 "Paris Olympics shooting trials: Esha Singh, Anish Bhanwala collect second win in ongoing trials")
 "Olympic cauldron fails to ignite at Manosque in Paris")
 "Aman Sehrawat becomes first Indian male wrestler to clinch Olympic quota; Deepak Punia bows out after first-round loss")
 "Macron 'counting on Real Madrid' to let Mbappe represent France in Paris Olympics")