The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to conduct two-stage selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships, allowing wrestlers chosen for the Asian Games to also compete for a place in India's World Championships squad.
According to a WFI circular, wrestlers selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will not be excluded from the selection trials for the Senior World Championships.
The decision provides Asian Games-bound wrestlers with an additional opportunity to earn a place in the World Championships team. They will be allowed to challenge for a World Championships berth through a "final trial".
The two-stage trial process is aimed at providing a fair opportunity to wrestlers while enabling the federation to select the strongest possible squad for the World Championships.
The move could also benefit wrestlers preparing for the Asian Games, as they will have the chance to compete at the World Championships if they succeed in the final selection trial.
The 2026 Senior World Championships will therefore see an expanded selection pathway, with Asian Games-bound wrestlers remaining eligible to compete for berths in the prestigious global event.
