Olympic Dreams for NWA: A Clear Path to 2036
Published on May 30, 2025
By EMN
- The
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is the sole government-recognised body for
Olympic wrestling in India, overseeing Freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines.
Its mission is clear: To win medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian
Championships, Asian Games, World Championships and Olympics.
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- Despite
being affiliated with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for 25 years, the
NWA is yet to produce a single national medal. This glaring gap underscores the
need for immediate strategic reform.
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- For
the Nagaland Government, the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), and
particularly, the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), this moment presents
both an opportunity and an urgent challenge.
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- Medals
aren’t won by chance, but by choice. NWA must choose its path today.
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- While
success in various sports is commendable, strategic prioritisation is crucial.
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- The Way Forward
- 1.
Exclusive Focus on Olympic Wrestling.
- NWA
must fully commit to WFI-governed disciplines to access government funding and
international opportunities.
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- 2.
Streamline Governance.
- Non-Olympic
wrestling bodies should operate independently, freeing NWA to concentrate on
medal-winning priorities. This separation would enable the NWA to focus
entirely on Olympic disciplines, ensuring its wrestlers gain recognition from
both state and central governments upon winning medals—bringing glory to themselves,
Nagaland, and the Nation.
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- With
India potentially hosting the 2036 Olympics, NWA now has a historic chance to
develop world-class wrestlers. The time for half-measures is over, strategic
focus on Olympic wrestling can put Nagaland on the global sports map.
-
- K. Puroh
