Gonda, May 12: Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia believes the disruption caused by the wrestlers’ protest at jantar mantar and the resulting lack of international exposure derailed the momentum of several Indian wrestlers, including his own, as he attempts to revive his career this season.
Once considered India’s most consistent wrestler in the 86kg category, Deepak has struggled to regain his earlier rhythm after narrowly missing out on a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Since then, his only major podium finish has been a silver medal at the Asian Games in 2023.
The 26-year-old, who won the National Open Ranking Tournament here on Monday, however, remains ineligible for the May 31 selection trials for Asian Games as per the current Wrestling Federation of India policy, which does not consider this tournament for entry into trials.
Deepak said the long phase of uncertainty in Indian wrestling following the wrestlers’ protest significantly impacted athletes by reducing international competition opportunities and exposure.
“After 2023, many tournaments stopped because of the protest and all that happened. We did not get chances to compete abroad like we used to earlier,” Deepak said.
“When you are competing internationally every second or third month, your shortcomings come out and you improve. But if you get only one World Championships or one Asian Championships in a year, there is a huge difference in performance,” he said.
In 2023, India’s prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik had led a prolonged protest against the then WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
The WFI was suspended by the sports ministry and an ad-hoc panel ran and controlled the show for a long time. It had led to disruption of tournaments and wrestling activities like camps in India.
The matter is in court.
When pointed out that he was also seen at the protest spot, Deepak said, “I would not like to dwell on those things now. Let it be.”
The Haryana wrestler also linked his disappointing outing at the 2025 World Championships to inadequate training support and lack of quality sparring partners. He faded well before the medal round to finish 11th.
“I accept that I made mistakes in training. I did not get a sparring partner of that level before the World Championships. Sparring partners play a huge role,” he said.
“I could not go abroad much and there was no proper camp setup there. Otherwise, I definitely believe I could have won a medal at the World Championships.” Despite the setbacks, Deepak said his focus remains firmly on winning gold at the next Asian Games in the 86 kg category.
Reflecting on the changes in Indian wrestling, Deepak welcomed the return of foreign coaches, saying they bring a more scientific and tactical approach compared to the traditional Indian emphasis on hard work. (PTI)
