Haryana’s Rohit emerged as the champion in the 65kg category while Delhi’s Praveen Chahar took the title in the 86kg event as the men’s freestyle national wrestling championships concluded in Noida on Sunday.

Star wrestlers Bajrang Punia (65kg) and Deepak Punia (86kg), who both have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, did not compete in the national championships, held at the Noida stadium.

Rohit took the gold in 65kg event ahead of Sharvan (silver), Amit (bronze) and Anuj (bronze).

In the 70kg, Vishal Kaliraman took the gold after beating Railways teammate Parveen while Karan and Sushil took home the bronze.

In the 79kg, Rahul Rathee stood on top of the podium while his Railways teammate took silver. Services’ Veerdev Gulia and Pradeep won the bronze medals.

In the 86kg, Delhi’s Praveen Chahar beat Maharashtra’s Vetal in the final to emerge champion. Railways’’ Deepak and Services’ Sanjeet settled for bronze.

In the 97kg event, Railways’ Satyawart Kadian expectedly took gold with a win over Services’ Monu while Haryana’s Sumit Gulia and Delhi’s Ashish took bronze medals.

Railways took the team title with 192 points ahead of SSCB (162) and Haryana (138).

SAI takes cognisance of alleged COVID protocol breach in wrestling nationals, seeks report from WFI

The Sports Authority of India on Sunday took cognisance of an alleged breach of COVID-19 protocols during the ongoing Wrestling National Championships in Noida and a sought a report from the federation by Monday.

“We have taken up the matter with the Wrestling Federation of India and impressed upon them that the SOP for competitions has to be adhered to strictly. We have also sought a report from the federation on alleged violation, by Monday,” SAI director general Sandip Pradhan said in a statement.

“The federation has assured compliance of protocol.”

SAI has also requested the Indian Olympic Association to sensitise all National Sports Federations to follow the COVID-19 protocols strictly and ensure safety of athletes.

SAI’’s reaction came after some section of the media reported that COVID-19 protocols were not followed on the first day of the wrestling championships for men’s freestyle at the Noida Stadium on Saturday.

Wrestling on Saturday became the first major Olympic sport to hold its national championship amid the pandemic.

With PTI Inputs