Nagpur, India: The stage is set for Nagpur’s inaugural Chief Minister’s Cup Under-15 National Wrestling Championship, taking place at the Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur from 20 to 22 June. This is the first time the city is hosting a national-level wrestling event for this age group.

Around 750 young wrestlers from 25 states across India will participate in Freestyle and Greco-Roman categories, competing in various weight divisions. The tournament includes both boys and girls and promises exciting action over three days.

Adding to the significance of the event, the championship will also offer cash prizes for the first time at this level. Winners in each weight category will receive ₹11,000, with a total prize pool of ₹7.5 lakh.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is expected to inaugurate the event on 21 June at 5:30 pm. He will be joined by MP Murlidhar Mohol, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Kumar Singh.

The tournament serves as a selection ground for India’s team for the upcoming Asian U-15 Wrestling Championship in Kyrgyzstan, scheduled from 5 to 13 July. Thirty top-performing wrestlers from this event will represent the country at the international level.

Despite hosting the nationals, no wrestler from Nagpur or Vidarbha region has qualified for the Maharashtra team. Local sports officials hope that organising such a prestigious event will inspire and motivate young talent in the region to strive for national recognition in the future.