Indian wrestlers were in deep shock after the recommendation of International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the sport be removed from the 2020 Games. Perhaps, this has been one decision that the Indian wrestling association must have never expected. Considering the fact that the Indians perform to their best when it comes to wrestling, this is a major thing of concern for sure.
Four out of India's overall tally of 24 Olympic medals that have been secured so far are from wrestling alone. Moreover, it should be noted down that wrestling also gave India its first individual Olympic medal long back in 1952. This is something of a fact to prove that there is a long history of deep association of India with wrestling as far as Olympics is concerned.
Two of India's six medals at the 2012 London Olympics were won by wrestlers. Given the kind of performance the wrestlers have produced, it is a huge setback for the country. Most of the people feel that this has been certain kind of bias from IOC towards the sport even though the committee has given a valid reason for why the sport is being removed.
The IOC recommended its eviction after analyzing the performance of all 26 sports at the London Games.
There is a very slender chance that wrestling may get a huge relief when the IOC convenes a meeting later in September to ratify its choice.
Meanwhile, there are official correspondents who say the decision will serve a huge blow to Indian wrestlers who have been making a mark internationally. Those emerging wrestlers who have been preparing for several years together will now have no option other than remaining content with other sports. The more worrying fact is that there will be no representation from India in future Olympics because of the lack of proper motivation and confidence.
"It's a huge setback. I can't believe that IOC can take such a harsh decision about one of the oldest Olympic sports," ace wrestler Sushil Kumar, who has won two medals at Olympics, was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times newspaper.
"At the Beijing Olympic Games, my aim was to win a medal and I succeeded. For London, my target was gold, but I could manage a silver. So I am determined to make up for the London loss at Rio [games]."
Senior wrestling official Raj Singh too was in sync with Kumar who said the recommendation was a "huge loss for the country".
"But I am sure that the international wrestling body will not let the sport be shown the door from the Olympics," he said.
Another senior coach Yashvir told The Indian Express that young wrestlers at his camp were stunned by the news.
"They all seem defeated," he lamented.
Mr Yashvir said he was now worried about the future of wrestling in India.
"Why will children want to take up wrestling now? People will rather have their children train for other games like boxing. This will directly impact our talent pool."
