The Chhatrasal Stadium, a hub for wrestling in Delhi, has been plagued by violence and administrative issues in recent years. Despite producing several Olympic medalists, the center has faced allegations of indiscipline, disobedience, and a lack of experienced coaches. An assault on a coach earlier this month has brought these issues to the forefront, prompting the Delhi government to implement new measures to restore order and accountability.
India’s hopes for a strong contingent of men’s freestyle wrestlers at the Paris Olympics suffered a setback as Sujeet Kalkal and Jaideep Ahlawat failed to qualify at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul. Despite the disappointment, India managed to secure a lone spot through Aman Sehrawat (57kg) while women wrestlers continued to excel with five competitors qualifying for the Games. The wrestling federation remains optimistic about Ravi Dahiya’s (65kg) chances, with selection trials set for June 10th.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decision to field Karan Bhushan Singh, son of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj constituency has sparked outrage amongst wrestlers who protested against Brij Bhushan last year over alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers. Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi Malik expressed disappointment, stating that India’s daughters have lost and that their fight for justice has been in vain. Sakshee Malikkh, who quit wrestling after Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan, won the WFI elections, accused the BJP-led central government of using Lord Ram’s name for votes. Bajrang Punia, a key protestor and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, called the decision a stab in the back and questioned the government’s motives. The Delhi Police registered a case against Brij Bhushan in June 2023 under sections 354, 354D, and 345A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for stalking and sexual harassment. The case is being heard in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, with the next hearing scheduled for May 7.
WWE Raw (1993) Season 4 is widely hailed as one of the most thrilling seasons in wrestling history, featuring action-packed episodes, intense rivalries, and top-tier wrestlers. This season showcases the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and many others. Experience unforgettable matches, including The Undertaker versus Mankind, gripping rivalries such as Razor Ramon versus Goldust and The Undertaker versus Diesel, and championship bouts for the WWE and Intercontinental Championships. Watch this adrenaline-fueled journey through the world of wrestling on Peacock, a popular streaming platform offering a vast selection of TV shows, movies, and sports events.
Blue Finch Films has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Canada, to the upcoming wrestling action-horror film ‘Dark Match.’ The film, written and directed by Lowell Dean, stars Chris Jericho, Steven Ogg, and Ayisha Issa. A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town but soon discovers that the community is controlled by a mysterious cult leader with sinister plans. When the lights go down, the wrestlers find themselves fighting for their lives in a real match.
WWE Raw (1993) Season 8, consisting of 52 episodes, is now available for streaming on Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy the eighth installment of the popular wrestling show, which premiered on January 3, 2000. The season features memorable matches, including Triple H’s re-entry into the Big Show’s WWE Championship competition and The Rock’s showdown with DX to protect his job. Other notable wrestlers appearing in the season include Chris Jericho. Fans can access WWE Raw (1993) Season 8 on Peacock, a streaming service available on various devices. With a Premium or Premium Plus subscription, viewers can immerse themselves in over 80,000 hours of entertainment, including TV shows, movies, and sports.
WWE Raw (1993) Season 2 is now available to watch and stream online via Peacock. The second season of the popular wrestling show features 47 episodes, and includes appearances from some of the biggest names in professional wrestling, including Lex Luger, The Smoking Guns, The Quebecers, Howard Finkel, Jack Doan, Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler, and Randy Savage.
Central Michigan University (CMU) has announced the appointment of Ben Bennett as the new head coach of its wrestling program. Bennett, a four-time All-American grappler and former assistant coach under longtime leader Tom Borrelli, will lead the Chippewas for the upcoming season. Bennett, a decorated wrestler, placed in the top eight at the NCAA Championships four times during his collegiate career and boasts an impressive 121-24 record at CMU. With his appointment, Bennett becomes the sixth head coach in CMU wrestling history.
Despite producing numerous national, international, and Olympic wrestlers over the decades, the sole surviving akhara in Malakpur village, Baghpat, faces imminent closure due to a lack of support from political representatives. Khalifa Iqbal, the septuagenarian master who runs the akhara, laments that politicians have taken pride in the village’s wrestling legacy but have done nothing to preserve it. The once-thriving village had eight akharas, but financial constraints have forced all but one to close down. The high cost of a nutritious diet and the declining frequency of local wrestling competitions, which used to provide monetary benefits, have discouraged young wrestlers from pursuing the sport. Villagers demand that the government provide diet facilities in akharas and invest in synthetic wrestling mattresses to foster the sport’s growth.
Young wrestler Akshay Dhere displayed remarkable resilience to secure a decisive victory in the 57kg final against Parmod Kumar at the Federation Cup on Wednesday. Despite facing an early deficit, Dhere remained composed and gradually chipped away at his opponent’s lead. His strategic moves and relentless determination ultimately led to a hard-fought pin and his first elite title. In a separate contest, Sahil Kundu also exhibited resilience, overcoming a deficit to triumph in the 61kg final. Additionally, seven candidates were successfully elected to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Athletes Commission, with Narsingh Yadav appointed as the chairman.
