Large hoardings in Marathi about the senior wrestling nationals are planted in pockets of Pune, the volume of which increases as one inches closer to the Rajaram Bhiku Pathare Stadium. The small indoor facility in the outskirts of Pune is playing host to the three-day championships organised by the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and not recognised by the union sports ministry.
One couldn't tell there was anything unofficial about this, though. Diyas were lit in its opening ceremony on Monday morning, watched on by a bunch of dignitaries seated on a huge dais. Among them was Sanjay Singh, president of the suspended WFI who took over from former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
He addressed the gathering, comprising wrestlers, coaches and referees, with a speech that stated, "khushti rukni nahi chahiye, chahe kuch bhi ho (wrestling should not stop, come what may). I will not let the future of young wrestlers get destroyed. I am here standing beside you, rest assured," he said.
Whether that sense of surety is being felt by the wrestlers is another matter. For, after the pause of last year due to protests by the top wrestlers over Brij Bhushan's alleged sexual harassment, the sport's restart has been marred by two different nationals being held by separate bodies. In an Olympic year no less.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 30, 2024-Ausgabe von Hindustan Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 30, 2024-Ausgabe von Hindustan Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
2.5mn Indians died from rising air pollution
At least 2.5 million people in India have died on account of health issues arising from air pollution caused by so-called landscape fires (such as those caused by the burning of farm stubble) between 2000 and 2019, according to a study published by Lancet on Wednesday.
Put A Period To The Silent Suffering
As Neha Bhasin's struggle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder has sparked a discussion, let's dive deep into this medical disorder
Keerthy Suresh confirms relationship with Antony Thattil
Actor Keerthy Suresh, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Baby John co-starring Varun Dhawan, recently shared her first-ever picture with long-time boyfriend, businessman Antony Thattil, on Instagram.
After brother Chay, Akhil Akkineni is also engaged
Days ahead of actor Naga Chaitanya's wedding with actor Sobhita Dhulipala on December 4, his younger brother, actor Akhil Akkineni, 30, has also announced his engagement with artist Zulfi Ravdjee, 39.
RUPALI'S STEPDAUGHTER RELEASES 'FINAL' STATEMENT AFTER DEFAMATION SUIT
Actor Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma criticised the defamation case against her in a recent post, clarifying that she was only exercising her rights
FEUD INTENSIFIES AS DHANUSH SUES NAYANTHARA
After Nayanthara accused Dhanush of a 'personal grudge', the actor has filed a suit against her for using footage from his production without authorisation
Delivering an Olympics, a complicated process
Sebastian Coe, the only man in Olympic history to win back-to-back 1,500m gold medals, who heads World Athletics and is in the running to be the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brought up the Perth Test.
Anticipated shuffle: Rohit and Gill for Padikkal, Jurel
The focus at this weekend's warm-up game will be on changes India could make for Adelaide's pink-ball Test match
Gvardiol errors emblematic of what is going wrong at Manchester City
Erling Haaland had scored on either side of half-time and between the Norwegian's goals, Ilkay Guendogan's sweetly struck left-footer took a deflection beating the impressive Timon Wellenreuther in Feyenoord's goal.
Wrestler Bajrang to appeal against doping verdict
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia said he will appeal against the four-year ban imposed by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for an anti-doping rule violation at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
