Mumbai, 27 August, 2021.
Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer
and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) strengthened their long term
partnership further with the announcement of the ‘Quest for Gold at Paris
Olympics 2024’, a holistic development programme with the singular
objective to win the coveted Gold medal at next Olympics. As part of this
initiative, WFI, with support from Tata Motors, will focus on the growth,
progress and advancement of both men and women wrestlers, across age groups, by
providing access to the right infrastructure, platform, opportunities and
security. Young and talented Indian wrestlers, ‘Yodhas’ will gain assured and
enhanced access to world-class training facilities, internationally-reputed
coaches and support through a rich nutritional programme. In addition as part
of this initiative, eligible senior wrestlers will be offered central contracts
as also the budding junior wrestlers will be supported through virtuous
scholarships along with insurance cover, medical and physiotherapy assistance.
Announcing the launch of this ‘Quest for Gold at Paris
Olympics 2024’, Shri. Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, Hon’ble MP and President,
Wrestling Federation of India, said, “Tata Motors’ committed support since
2018 has helped Indian wrestling grow to greater heights. In the last 3 years,
our ‘Yodhas’ have won more than 40-50 medals at international competitions
including, 5 medals at the Senior World Wrestling championships – highest ever
for India, record 11 medals at the just-concluded Junior World Championship,
and 2 medals at recently held Tokyo Olympics. The Cadet Wrestling Team, too,
won its first title of the World Championship. The launch of our joint quest
today should enable us to fulfil the entire nation’s longstanding aspiration of
winning an Olympics Gold medal in wrestling at the next Paris Olympics in
2024.”
Tata Motors honoured the successful Indian wrestling team
that participated in the Tokyo Olympics by presenting each member with its
tough and rugged Tata Yodha pick-up to convey respect, appreciation and
celebration of their heroism and success. Olympic Silver medallist Ravi Kumar
Dahiya, bronze medallist Bajrang Punia along with fellow ‘Yodhas’, Anshu Malik,
Sonam Malik, Seema Bisla, Deepak Punia and VineshPhogat were present in-person
to support the quest and receive their Tata Yodha pick-up.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director,
Tata Motors, said, “The sport of wrestling is deep rooted
across India and enjoys a rich legacy of success in the global arena. Popular
and followed by all sections of society, its machismo, aggression and endurance
tests speed, agility and power. These virtues perfectly mirror the longevity,
durability and robust performance of our commercial vehicles that are much
valued by our customers both in India as well as international markets.
Through
our steadfast association with WFI, we will continue to promote, train and
foster the nation’s rich wrestling talent. At Tata Motors, we believe in
supporting the sport and sportspeople who will take our country ahead with
their potential, zeal and passion. To ensure that our talented wrestlers have
ready access to all that is required to realise their immense potential,
further hone their skills and bring home the coveted Olympic Gold in 2024, we
are making our ongoing partnership with WFI more holistic and purposeful. I
wish the federation and our wrestlers the very best in this quest for the Gold
at Paris Olympics 2024.”
A multi-year, strategic partnership, forged between WFI and
Tata Motors in 2018, has been developing, promoting and encouraging wrestling
as a sport by providing world-class infrastructure, facilities and training to
Indian wrestlers. In addition, the support from Tata Motors facilitated
coaching of Indian wrestlers by acclaimed international coaches, long stint
training in foreign locations, enhanced participation in international tournaments
and access to specialist medical care as well as physiotherapy. The high degree
of congruence between the tough and rugged commercial vehicles manufactured by
Tata Motors and the valour displayed by the Indian wrestlers in global arenas
makes this association a perfect match.