In a perfect world, the likes of Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and Vinesh Phogat would have been in Croatia, hitting the mat for the season-opening Zagreb rating collection. These, nevertheless, are removed from splendid instances for Indian wrestling. The unprecedented protests from the nation’s high wrestlers haven’t solely led to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president stepping apart, however it has additionally meant that not one of the protesting wrestlers have been in any type or form to compete in Zagreb.

This, inadvertently, places the highlight on the second rung that can be desperate to make an impression on the worldwide stage. It will not be a straightforward trip although contemplating the extent of competitors in addition to the tense build-up to the match.

“It won’t be easy, for sure. We didn’t stop their practice for a single day but whatever goes on the outside does impact the youngsters,” stated Parveen Singh Dahiya, coach of younger Aman Sehrawat who will symbolize India within the 57kg freestyle class. “Aman is a very mature wrestler and he tries to keep himself occupied with wrestling, but it is impossible to not get affected by the protests. This has not been a perfect build-up, far from it,” he stated.

Still solely 19, Aman is more and more seen as the following massive hope in his weight class. The two-time defending nationwide champion grew to become the primary Indian to win gold on the U-23 world championships final yr, and coaches on the famed Chhatrasal Stadium — the place he trains — imagine that by the point the following Olympic cycle commences, the shy grappler from Haryana’s Birohar village can be bodily and technically able to stake his declare.

“Our wrestlers haven’t had any international competition in a while. Most haven’t competed since the Commonwealth Games. So, it would have been a great opportunity for everyone to start their season, but I am sure every youngster views it as a stage to shine in the absence of big names,” the coach added.

While Aman could not make the group for final yr’s World Championships after taking place to Rahul Aware within the trials, the person who did finally steamroll Aware to stroll away with a Worlds berth — Pankaj Malik — can be India’s flagbearer within the 61kg division. Already 26, time could also be operating out for Pankaj who finds himself sandwiched between two of Indian wrestling’s greatest stars, Ravi Dahiya (57kg) and Bajrang (65kg).

“Cutting weight is not an option for him, and if he has to challenge someone like Bajrang, he needs to grab every chance he gets. In that sense, this ranking series is huge for him,” Pankaj’s coach Jaiveer stated.

Pankaj ended the yr with a cushty gold on the Nationals, and with no Ravi within the fray in Zagreb — who had entered within the non-Olympic 61kg division — the Indian Air Force sergeant could lastly have his probability to soar.

“He has trained really hard, despite the disturbances,” Jaiveer stated, referring to the wrestlers’ protest. “Pankaj, like most wrestlers, was shocked and stunned to see Bajrang, Vinesh and the rest holding that press conference. Mentally, not ideal but technically, we have left no stone unturned to make this opportunity count.”

Veteran coach Kuldeep Singh concurs that the unavailability of seasoned wrestlers is a blessing in disguise for younger hopefuls. “Having said that, I am not expecting a big haul in Zagreb. These youngsters never stopped training, but one can only guess their state of mind given the ongoing fracas. It would have certainly dented their morale,” Singh added.

Visa woes

Meanwhile, there can be no Indian illustration within the freestyle 65kg, 74kg, and 86kg courses because the visa for Sujeet, Sagar Jaglan, and Vicky respectively couldn’t be processed on time. Even those who may board the flight have been requested to hurry to the airport on Monday night the place their tickets and visa have been ready.

The group is anticipated to land in Zagreb on Tuesday night, whereas competitors in freestyle and ladies’s divisions begins on Wednesday.