CHENNAI: Their country has been ravaged by flash floods, which has killed more than 500 people so far. A warning of a second wave has sent shockwaves among the Nepal residents, especially those living near the China-Tibet border. Amidst the gloom, a Nepali wrestling contingent, comprising four men freestyle and two women wrestlers along with their coach, is currently training at Nandini Nagar Mahavidyalaya in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
With their compatriots fighting for their lives, they, too, are a worried bunch. Even as their fellow Nepalese remain in their prayers, they have intentionally cut themselves off the situation back home. The reason — it could potentially deviate them from their primary goal of performing to their best of their abilities at the quadrennial event.
"Whatever is happening in Nepal is sad," Nepal coach Rajendra Chand told this daily. "I have instructed my wards not to watch videos and reels, especially if they are related to flash floods in our country. It can affect them emotionally. Our prayers are with all those affected people but if we can win our first wrestling medal in Japan then it can bring some cheers to our people," added the coach.
One of the wrestlers, Nikhil Raj Patel (86kg), agreed with the coach's policy and said such measures will aid them in staying focussed. "Usually he keeps our mobiles with him and gives them back to us when we have to talk to our respective families. These days even when we talk to our families, they tell us about the flood situation. It is troubling to see people suffer like that but there is nothing much we can do for them. The best way is to train hard and win laurels for the country at the Games," Nikhil said.
Apart from Nikhil, the men's team includes Ramkishor Yadav (65kg), Suresh Chunara (74kg) and Raj Yadav (125kg) while the two women wrestlers are Sushila Chanda (62kg) and Shiwangi Dube (57kg). The wrestlers reached Nandini Nagar on July 15 and will train at the venue till September 20. "We will go back to Nepal and from there head for Japan. Our competitions start on September 30 so we still have time," said the coach.
Fourth visit to Gonda
The Nepal's wrestling team is visiting Nandini Nagar for the fourth time. Even before the last two editions of the Asian Games, the Nepal wrestlers had trained at the facility. They also visited the place once after the 2022 Asian Games, which was held a year later. "Brij Bhushan (Sharan Singh) ji provides all the facilities. He arranges for the sparring partners. We get good accommodation here and the food is good as well. The arrangement was made after our federation got in touch with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). We are grateful to Brij Bhushan ji and WFI for making it possible," the coach said.
The coach felt his wards can pose a serious challenge to their rivals at the Games, especially after the training and exposure they have received in Nandini Nagar. "The wrestlers are confident now and I hope they give their best in Japan. A good show in the Asian Games will help the sport grow in the country," the coach said.
Cricket teams in Australia, Malaysia
Meanwhile, the Nepal cricketers are in Australia and Malaysia ahead of their competition at the Games. Nepal A team will have T20 matches against the local clubs and Bangladesh A Down Under while the ODI team will compete in the ACC Men's Premier Cup, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Asia Cup.
"The situation is not good but none of our cricketers or their families have been affected by it," said Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Adding further he said, "They left before the floods hit the country. Mostly three districts near the China-Tibet border got affected by it so our training facilities too are safe. We have submitted our 15-member squad to the national Olympic body. As the competition in the Asian Games will be played in T20 format, the team comprises players from both teams — one that is playing in Australia and another which is in Malaysia."
Chand said the team will assemble in Nepal before flying out for Japan. The men's event will begin on September 24 and conclude on October 3.
