Paris Olympics 2024: Internal Unrest and Protests Impede India’s Wrestling Ambitions

At the heart of the recent Paris Olympics, a story unfolds that transcends the usual narratives of victory and defeat.

Protests Disrupt India's Wrestling Hopes for Paris 2024
Credit: thgim.com

While the spirit of competition typically defines the games, for the Indian wrestling team, internal turmoil and protracted protests have cast long shadows over their journey.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief, Sanjay Singh, points to these protests as the cornerstone of the team’s underwhelming performance.


A Sole Medal Amidst Controversy

India’s wrestling squad, a six-member contingent, managed to secure only a single medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Aman Sehrawat, competing in the men’s 57kg category, clinched a bronze after defeating Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz in a closely contested third-place playoff.

This outcome falls dramatically short of expectations for a nation that has viewed wrestling as a stronghold of potential Olympic achievement.


The Underlying Causes of Disruption

The protests that Singh identifies as the chief disruptor began in early 2023, leading to a disturbing halt in normal training and competitive routines for the wrestlers.

The protests were aimed at Brij Bhushan Singh, the former WFI chief, and carried on for approximately a year.

This unrest not only created an atmosphere of instability but also led to diminished opportunities for national and international competition preparation.

“The entire wrestling fraternity was disturbed. Wrestlers struggled as they could not practice without national and international tournaments,” Singh explained in an interview with India Today.

His words echo the difficult conditions under which athletes were expected to prepare for one of the biggest stages in the sports world.


High-profile Casualties of the Controversy

Among the most notable figures caught in the crosshairs of these protests were Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik.

The latter, India’s only woman with an Olympic medal in wrestling, retired post the administration change at WFI.

Phogat, in a separate but related incident, faced disqualification at the games due to being overweight by a mere 100 grams during weigh-ins.

This not only cut short her aspirations for a medal but also led to her announced retirement amidst ongoing controversy.

Phogat’s predicament underscores the personal and professional toll these disputes have exacted on individual athletes. Her case particularly stands out, as she was poised to become the first Indian woman to win Olympic wrestling gold before her disqualification.


Future Implications and Looking Ahead

The aftermath of Paris 2024 leaves the Indian wrestling community at a crossroads. With the dust yet to settle, the significant impact of internal dissent is undeniable.

The story of this Olympic cycle serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unresolved internal issues on a global stage.

Yet, it also offers a pivot point for rebuilding and refocusing on athlete welfare and preparation.

As India looks to the future, the lessons from Paris 2024 will undoubtedly influence how sports federations manage athlete relations, address grievances, and cultivate an environment conducive to high performance.

For athletes like Aman Sehrawat, the journey to Olympic bronze in Paris tells a story of perseverance amidst adversity—a narrative that, it is hoped, will inspire a new chapter for Indian wrestling, defined by unity, resilience, and a renewed focus on achieving Olympic glory.


Moving Forward

The path ahead for the Indian wrestling team is fraught with challenges, but it also offers opportunities for reform and revitalization.

Stakeholders at all levels will need to engage in introspection and concerted efforts to ensure that the potential of Indian wrestling is fully realized on the world stage, free from the shackles of internal conflicts and distractions.

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