BackSPORTS
WFI criticised over scheduling mess at senior ranking event in Gonda
The Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Nandini Nagar, Gonda, faced scheduling chaos as 600 wrestlers and about 668 bouts spanned freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women's events. Day one extended to nearly 18 hours with many competitors starting as early as 5 am after waiting through midnight, prompting criticism of planning and athlete welfare. The federation signaled changes for future editions, including a longer championship and revised bout structure.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights challenges in organizing open ranking events in Indian wrestling and raises questions about athlete welfare and national team selection processes.
Timeline
2 Events
Day 2: Open ranking event continues; federation plans changes
May 11, 2026
The competition continued into the second day, with the scheduling chaos prompting broader questions about event organization. WFI president Sanjay Singh announced plans to extend the championship in future editions to five days, with two-day bouts in freestyle and Greco-Roman and the last day reserved for women’s wrestling. Officials emphasized the need to address the gap between participation policy and implementation and highlighted concerns for athlete welfare and national-level preparation as many participants travel long distances and rely on proper recovery routines.
Day 1: Scheduling chaos at the Senior Open Ranking Tournament begins in Gonda
May 10, 2026
Nearly 600 wrestlers entered the men's freestyle event, with around 668 bouts scheduled across freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling over three days. Bouts began as early as 5 am on the first day, after wrestlers had waited through midnight, and some wrestlers reported going hours without meals. An open ranking format meant no eligible participant could be turned away, contributing to overcrowded draws and a schedule that officials described as difficult to manage. Ashish Kadiyan, a competitor, remarked he was on an empty stomach having waited since midnight before taking the mat at 5 am. The day stretched to roughly 18 hours, underscoring the toll on athletes’ performance and welfare.