Haryana's Wrestling Ecosystem Hailed as Best in India
Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has praised Haryana's wrestling infrastructure, calling it the best in the country and expressing confidence that India will surpass its previous Olympic medal tally. Speaking to the media in Rohtak, Singh highlighted the state's unique akhada stipend scheme, extensive network of wrestling academies, and training facilities as key factors behind the dominance of Haryana wrestlers on the national and international stage.
National Camps and Athlete Support
Singh noted that athletes are receiving world-class training through ongoing national camps conducted at three locations across the country. He stressed that there is no discrimination against any athlete, and all are performing exceptionally well. "The arrangements were excellent, and the athletes are very happy. Our record in the upcoming Olympics will be broken. We will bring home even more medals," he told reporters. Singh attributed the improved performance to the support extended by the central government, which ensures equal treatment for all athletes.
Haryana's Akhada Stipend Scheme
Singh lauded the Haryana government for its initiatives to promote wrestling, claiming that no other state matches its sporting infrastructure. "As for the state government, the facilities available in Haryana are unmatched by any other state in the country. The government here runs an akhada scheme where an athlete receives a stipend ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 upon registration. No other part of the country has such a system," Singh said. This scheme provides financial support to wrestlers from the grassroots level, encouraging participation and retention in the sport.
Extensive Training Infrastructure
Singh further emphasized that Haryana has an extensive network of wrestling academies, training halls, and wrestling mats, providing athletes with the infrastructure needed to excel. "Nowhere else will you find as many academies, wrestling mats, or training halls," he added. The state's focus on building a robust sports ecosystem has produced numerous Olympic and international medalists, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik.
Impact on India's Olympic Prospects
Singh's remarks come ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games, where India aims to improve its medal tally. With Haryana contributing a significant number of wrestlers to the national contingent, the state's infrastructure and support systems are seen as critical to the country's success. The former WFI chief's confidence reflects the optimism surrounding Indian wrestling, which has consistently delivered medals in recent Olympic cycles.
