Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia set for govt-funded training in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary

Top Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, both participants in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), are soon to embark on intensive international training camps in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.

The star wrestlers’ travel proposals were promptly cleared within a day by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ TOPS team, reflecting the priority given to athletes’ training and preparation.

Bajrang Punia, an Olympic medalist, is gearing up for a 36-day training session in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. On the other hand, Vinesh Phogat, a world championship medalist, will split her training between Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a week, followed by an 18-day stint in Tata, Hungary. Both wrestlers will be joined by an array of professional support staff.

Indian government to send Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for training camps in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary. Photo courtesy of Herbert Aust from Pixabay.

Vinesh Phogat will be accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat, and coach Sudesh. Bajrang Punia’s team includes coach Sujeet Maan, physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender, and strength and conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan.

The Indian government is stepping in to support these elite athletes financially. This support covers airfare, accommodations, camp expenses, airport transfers, other allowances, and various incidental costs for the athletes, their sparring partners, and their coaches.

In addition, the expenses for the additional support staff traveling with the wrestlers will be shouldered by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), an organization dedicated to nurturing Indian athletic talent. The departure for these extensive training programs is slated for the first week of July.