IOA and WFI to provide significant support to wrestlers heading to Paris Olympics, accept Vinesh Phogat’s request for training assistance – Firstpost

“Extended support” will be provided by the Indian Olympic Association to wrestlers heading to the Paris Olympics. The National Olympic Committee and the Wrestling Federation of India also agreed to Vinesh Phogat’s request for additional training assistance.

Vinesh Phogat (50 kg), Antim Panghal (53 kg), Anshu Malik (57 kg), Nisha Dahiya (68 kg) and Reetika Hooda (76 kg) in women and Aman Sehrawat (57 kg) in men are the six Indian grapplers qualified for the Paris Olympics.

IOA President PT Usha said in a statement on Monday that the aim of the exercise was to ensure peak performance from the wrestlers.

“With an extensive support team, we aim to ensure our wrestlers have access to the best resources, enabling them to achieve peak performance. This move aligns with our commitment to fostering an environment in which athletes can thrive,” said Usha.

The IOA and WFI plan to establish a support team for wrestlers that will include coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, mental conditioning coaches and other essential personnel in the days leading up to the Olympics. Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh said more support staff would be provided to Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh for her training.

“We will ensure that Vinesh and all our wrestlers are given the necessary support to excel and fly the Indian flag,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Olympic Mission Cell (MOC) of the Sports Ministry had approved several proposals from Paris-bound athletes, including Vinesh.

Vinesh requested financial assistance for a competition and training camp in Madrid followed by a training camp in Boulogne sur-Mer, France. She will also compete in the Spanish Grand Prix in July before heading to Boulogne sur-Mer for 20 days of training ahead of the Olympic Games.

The IOA-WFI’s assistance goes beyond what Indian wrestlers receive under the MOC’s Target Olympic Podium (TOPS) program.

“This initiative is part of the broader mission of the IOA and WFI to continually improve the training, preparation and overall support mechanisms available to all Indian athletes. The aim is to create a sustainable model of excellence that can propel Indians to greater heights on the global stage,” the IOA statement added.

With PTI inputs