Tata Motors has launched a programme to empower top Indian wrestlers in order to support them bring more honor for the country in mega sporting events like Olympics. Being the principal sponsors of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Business Unit (CVBU) has set up the ‘Tata Motors Elite Wrestlers Development Program’ to encourage and develop rising Indian wrestlers by helping them prepare for the Olympic Gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games and Paris 2024. This programme will provide the best possible training and coaching facilities by renowned foreign coaches, support staff and give international exposure to the players.
Top-class foreign coaches for both men and women squads will be appointed who will work both on the physical & mental development of the players. With this, the main aim is to train Indian wrestlers according to the global standards. To ensure this, support staff will include experienced physiotherapists, biomechanics, mental trainers and nutritionists. Tata Motors will also provide insurance cover to the Indian Wrestlers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girish Wagh, President, CVBU, Tata Motors, said,
“Tata Motors, in line with its Group’s heritage has constantly looked at encouraging sports and promoting sporting talent across India and overseas. Wrestling as a homegrown sport has definitely grown in popularity and needs further support in enhancing talent. We are strengthening our association with WFI by directing our efforts to promote, train and develop wrestling talent with advance coaching and international sporting experience. We hope these initiatives help the Indian team to perform better. Our best wishes to the team for the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024 Olympic games.”
The ‘Tata Motors Elite Wrestlers Development Programme’ will have the following features:
- Funding for elite foreign coaches for the Indian wrestling team
- Funding to engage competent support staff – physical trainers, masseurs, mental strengthening trainers, and nutritional guides
- Funding for overseas exposure trips (50 days or beyond)
- Insurance protection against injuries
- Support for Nutrition and dietary needs
Brand connection
Wrestling being a homegrown sport that reflects aggression and endurance that tests speed, agility, and power reflects the image of Tata Motors perfectly in the Commercial Vehicles market. Also, both are gaining popularity in India and overseas. All these qualities go with the rich heritage, longevity, durability and robust performance of our Commercial Vehicles. This association will provide Tata Motors the platform to reach out to various stakeholders and the public at large.
Commenting on the partnership, Shri Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, President – Wrestling Federation of India said,
” Tata Motors coming on board as Indian Wrestling’s development partner will go a long way in creating a strong sporting ecosystem and strengthening our elite program. These facilities will help wrestlers focus fully on themselves and prepare for the toughest tests before winning medals for the country. WFI is grateful for the trust shown in the Federation by Tata Motors and strongly believes that this binding and cooperation will eventually help make a strong beginning for wrestling in India”
The programme deserves applause because, for the first time in the history of Indian Sports, Tata Motors, along with WFI has announced central contracts to a sport other than Cricket, assuring guaranteed benefits to Indian Wrestlers. The central contracts are annual retainers that will be spread across 150 players as per grades and assure basic annual earnings for the players, through the sport.
“This is the best thing that can happen to any sport, particularly in a sport like wrestling where players are prone to injuries,” said two times Olympian, Sushil Kumar.
“This will make us free from all worries, especially a huge relief while competing on a foreign soil where the medical expenses are beyond our reach,” added Pooja Dhanda, the World Championships bronze medallist.
