Brij Bhushan Says Six Medals Are Not Enough, Insists Indian Wrestlers Deserve More

Brij Bhushan Unhappy With India’s Six-Medal Wrestling Haul, Sets Sights on LA Olympics 2028

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has said India’s six-medal performance in wrestling at the 2026 Asian Games fell short of his expectations, urging athletes to target a bigger medal tally at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for India’s Asian Games medal winners in New Delhi on Friday, October 9, Singh said he had expected the Indian contingent to secure at least eight medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

“I’m not happy with Asian Games performance. We got six but I expected 8,” Singh said.

He stressed that Indian wrestlers had two years to prepare for the Olympics and should aim beyond single-digit medal counts.

“Our wrestlers have two years. We shouldn’t be happy with single-digit medal numbers,” he added.

India fielded 15 wrestlers at the Asian Games and returned with six medals, including two golds. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal claimed gold, while Antim Panghal and Nitesh Siwach won silver. Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar secured bronze medals to complete India’s tally.

Singh said Indian wrestlers should consistently contend for medals at major international competitions, calling for higher expectations from the wrestling fraternity ahead of the next Olympic Games.

“Our wrestlers are expected to get a medal every event they go,” he said.

At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Aman Sehrawat was India’s sole wrestling medallist, winning bronze in the men’s freestyle 57kg category. Vinesh Phogat, meanwhile, was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final after exceeding the permitted weight limit by 100 grams.

‘Wrestlers Shouldn’t Go Empty-Handed’: Brij Bhushan

The New Delhi event also marked the launch of the sixth season of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), scheduled to take place from January 9 to 26, 2027. The six Asian Games medallists were honoured with special blazers and kits during the ceremony.

The issue of financial rewards for athletes and coaches also featured prominently. While the league highlighted its commitment to developing wrestling at the grassroots level, Singh argued that athletes who win medals for the country and the coaches behind their success should receive appropriate recognition.

“The wrestlers who have brought glory to the nation shouldn’t go empty-handed. The coaches should also be recognised,” he said.

Singh clarified that he was no longer in a position to implement such measures, placing the responsibility on the wrestling federation.

“I’m a ghost now. Can’t do anything. But WFI should do it,” he remarked.

Although Singh is no longer at the helm of the WFI, his appearance as the event’s chief guest highlighted his continued public presence in Indian wrestling. He stepped aside from the federation’s leadership amid allegations of sexual harassment made by women wrestlers, which he has denied.

The return of the Pro Wrestling League is expected to offer Indian athletes another opportunity to test themselves against international competitors. The upcoming season will feature 86 wrestlers, including 34 international medallists, competing across five men’s and four women’s Olympic weight categories.

Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki is among the international stars expected to participate in the competition, which will provide another platform for wrestlers to gain experience ahead of major international events.