Sakshi Malik and Sushil Kumar, India’s Olympic medal-winning wrestlers, were upgraded to the A category by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as part of the Elite Wrestlers Development programme, launched with support from federation sponsor Tata Motors. The two join three others identified for central contracts worth ₹30 lakh in the form of annual retainers, apart from other benefits like support for foreign trips, foreign coaches and camps to gain international exposure.
Sakshi, Rio Olympics bronze medallist, along with two-time Olympic medallist Sushil, were elevated from the B category announced earlier by the federation. Asian Games champions Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are already in the A grade, besides Pooja Dhanda. WFI’s annual retainers will be spread across 150 grapplers, varying in amounts as per the category: Elite to under-15 National champions.
“We get to take part in two competitions a year, not enough to give us the necessary experience. Wrestlers from other nations compete every four months. Training sessions with these wrestlers, and competitive bouts, will help us become aware of how we can get better than them,” said Sakshi.
Learning from losses
Sushil observed that sportsmen benefit more from defeats than victories. “You learn from losses than victories, He or she is in a celebratory mood after winning, but defeats makes them aware of the mistakes.” Asked about the lesson he learnt after the first round exit at the Jakarta Asian Games, he replied: “I don’t like to expose my shortcomings. After returning from the Asian Games, my guru (renowned coach Satpal Singh) started working on those very aspects.”
Sushil said he looked forward to international competitions. “Some look forward to international exposure, doing well against different opponents. There are others who are hard to beat at home, but find it tough abroad.”
Divya Kakarn (68kg) and Sajan Bhanwal (Geco Roman junior Worlds medallist) were handed Grade B contracts, ₹10 lakh annual retainer each at the event.
