Within seven months of losing its place, wrestling put together a strong case for reinstatement in the Olympics, of which it has been a part since ancient times, and in every modern games save 1900.
The speed at which wrestling federation FILA acted was impressive, with Raphael Martinetti stepping down days after the IOC vote to drop wrestling, making way for Nenad Lalovic while the sport was revamped, modernised and made more gender-friendly with two new events for women.
In admitting mistakes were made, FILA showed honesty and openness that the Indian Olympic Association, now at loggerheads with the IOC over the eligibility of tainted officials for office, could well emulate. Indian wrestlers who had done the country proud for decades despite rustic training methods get more opportunities to flex their muscles and win more laurels, even if there are two fewer men’s events in Rio de Janeiro. The spirit of athletes like D.K. Jadhav, who won a medal in 1952, and Sushil Kumar, who won medals in Beijing and London, would be best served if Indian athletes are given proper assistance to perform their best.
The IOA must set its house in order if our wrestlers are to train on without worrying under what flag they would be participating in the Olympics. FILA said the only way to be an IOC partner was to listen and learn. The IOA, on the other hand, is on a confrontation course with the IOC on a basic issue like debarring corrupt officials. This very approach is flawed.