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AP Wrestling Teams Set Off for Gorakhpur - A Quest for National Glory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 0:54 GMT by The Hans India

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Andhra Pradesh Wrestling Teams Set Off for Gorakhpur – A Quest for National Glory

In a bustling train station in Andhra Pradesh, a convoy of buses pulled away with a small but determined group of young wrestlers, their coaches, and support staff. They were heading to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a major national wrestling tournament is about to commence. The event, dubbed the “Gorakhpur National Wrestling Championship,” draws talent from across India and serves as a critical platform for athletes aiming to secure a place on the national team for upcoming international fixtures.

The Journey and the Teams

According to the original article, the Andhra Pradesh Wrestling Association (APWA) dispatched two distinct squads: a boys’ team of 15 wrestlers and a separate squad of girls (though the headline emphasises the boys). The teams consist of a mix of seasoned wrestlers and promising newcomers, all of whom have trained for months under the guidance of state‑federal coaching staff. The article notes that the boys are competing in various weight categories ranging from 55 kg to 95 kg, with the senior-most athlete being 23 years old and having represented Andhra in previous national meets.

The convoy departed early on Monday morning, and the wrestlers took a 30‑hour train journey, during which they held a brief motivational session led by their head coach, D. Venkatesh. The coach highlighted the importance of mental preparation and disciplined nutrition. “We’ve prepared them not only physically but also mentally. The pressure of a national competition is intense, and we want them ready to face any opponent,” Venkatesh told reporters upon arrival at the station.

The Significance of Gorakhpur

The Gorakhpur tournament is part of the “Khelo India” series, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at unearthing grassroots talent. By competing in this championship, AP wrestlers aim to accumulate “Khelo India” points, which factor into selections for the Indian senior wrestling squad and the upcoming Asian Games.

Linking to the “Khelo India” official page, the original article explains that the program intends to give athletes exposure to a high‑level competitive environment and to foster a culture of sportsmanship. The tournament will also host seminars on injury prevention, weight‑management, and sports psychology – a first for wrestlers coming from rural districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Highlights from the Competition Schedule

The article provides a detailed schedule: preliminary rounds start on Tuesday, with the first round of matches slated for 9 a.m. local time. Semi‑finals are slated for Wednesday evening, and the finals will take place on Thursday night. Matches are to be conducted in an indoor arena at the Gorakhpur Sports Complex, a venue that has hosted national events for the past decade.

AP wrestlers are slated to face teams from Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Gujarat in the early rounds. The article quotes a senior state federation official, R. Murthy, who expressed confidence in the team’s chances: “Our wrestlers have been training in a new high‑intensity regime for the last six months. They’re in great shape and have the right mindset.”

Additional Context: AP’s Wrestling Legacy

The original article links to a previous report detailing Andhra Pradesh’s wrestling pedigree. It explains that the state has produced several national champions, including the 2019 World Junior Champion R. Kumar. A brief interview with Kumar underscores the value of grassroots programs: “In Andhra, wrestling is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. The local clubs, the state federation, and the government’s support have all contributed to creating a conducive environment for athletes.”

The Road Ahead

While the article focuses on the departure, it hints at the forthcoming challenges. Wrestling is a demanding sport, and maintaining weight classes is particularly taxing. The AP teams are expected to rely on strict diet plans and weight‑management protocols set up by their coaches and nutritionists.

The wrestlers have expressed their eagerness to represent the state on a national stage. One 19‑year‑old, K. Raghav, said, “It’s an honour to carry the AP flag. I’m looking forward to giving my best and learning from wrestlers of other states.” The article also mentions that the APWA is monitoring the health and safety of its athletes, ensuring that the travel and competition schedule adhere to the latest COVID‑19 guidelines.

Conclusion

As the Andhra Pradesh wrestling teams set foot in Gorakhpur, they carry more than just their gear; they bring hope, ambition, and a strong legacy of sportsmanship. The upcoming national championship offers them a platform to shine, test their mettle against the country’s best, and potentially secure a berth in international arenas. The APWA’s careful preparation, combined with the wrestlers’ relentless determination, sets a promising tone for the tournament.

For more details on the Khelo India initiative and the wrestling calendar, visit the official Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports website or the APWA’s official portal.