Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry has approved wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s proposal for training in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Both the wrestlers had sent their proposals to the Ministry, TOPS team and it was cleared within 24 hours of their request.
Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia will head out to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan for 36 days training camp. While world championships medalist Vinesh Phogat will first head out to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a week of training then to Hungary for 18 days of training camp. Vinesh will be accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat and Coach Sudesh. Bajrang Punia will be accompanied by Coach Sujeet Maan, Physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender and Strength and Conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan. The government will fund air tickets, camp expenses and other miscellaneous costs. Both Vinesh and Bajrang are set to leave in the first week of July.