Bengaluru, Nov 8 (Representative) The Karnataka Wrestling Association (KWA) will host the 2024 Senior National Wrestling Championship in Bengaluru from December 6 to 8. The prestigious event will bring together India’s elite wrestlers, including Olympic Bronze Medalist Aman Sehrawat, U-20 World Wrestling Champion Antim Panghal, Deepak Punia, Sonam, Reetika Hooda, Priya, Udit, Chirag, and others. This marks the first time the Senior National Wrestling Championship will be held in Karnataka, heralding a revival of the sport in the region. With a rich wrestling history, Karnataka has long been a hub for traditional bouts and local competitions. The upcoming championship aims to reignite this legacy and inspire a new generation of wrestlers.
The event will take place at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium and will feature over 1,000 participants and officials from 25 affiliated state member units, including the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) and Services Sports Promotion Board (SSPB). Competitions will span three categories: Free Style, Greco-Roman Style, and Women’s Wrestling. Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The Wrestling Federation of India is proud to bring the Senior National Wrestling Championship to Karnataka for the first time. We are excited to work alongside the Karnataka Wrestling Association to make this championship a success.
“Bellippady Gunaranjan Shetty, President of KWA and Joint Secretary of WFI, highlighted the importance of the event for Karnataka, stating, “It is both an honor and a privilege for Karnataka to host this championship. We are committed to providing a world-class platform that celebrates talent and nurtures future Olympians. “The championship is open to all affiliated units of the Wrestling Federation of India, with each unit allowed to send up to ten wrestlers and three coaches per discipline. Competitions will adhere to WFI and UWW rules, with matches taking place on three approved mats in various weight categories. These include Free Style (57 kg to 125 kg), Greco-Roman Style (55 kg to 130 kg), and Women’s Wrestling (50 kg to 76 kg). State units are required to submit their list of participants by 25th November. The event will also be live-streamed via the KWA’s social media handles, allowing fans to follow the action online.