India Enhances Wrestling Program with International Coaches Ahead of Major Competitions

The Wrestling Federation of India has taken a significant step towards enhancing its national wrestling program by appointing three foreign coaches and a High-Performance Director. This strategic move aims to prepare the team for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Olympics. With a focus on building a sustainable framework for success, the federation is looking to leverage international expertise to support its athletes. The newly appointed coaches bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of producing champions, setting the stage for India's continued success in wrestling on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 23:44 IST

Strategic Appointments for Upcoming Events

In a bid to secure multiple medals at the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics, the Wrestling Federation of India has made significant strides by hiring three foreign coaches along with a High-Performance Director. These international experts are set to begin their roles next month.

Coaching Team Overview

As per the announcement, Emzarios Bentinidis from Georgia will take charge as the men's freestyle coach. Japan's Kosei Akaishi will oversee the women's wrestling team, while Gogi Koguashvili will coach the men's Greco-Roman category. Ian Butler from the United States has been appointed as the High-Performance Director.

Recent Achievements

India has consistently secured at least one medal at the Olympic Games since 2008. Recently, the national team achieved remarkable success at the Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where they earned 17 medals, including two gold and six silver.

Significance of the Appointments

"These appointments represent a pivotal moment for Indian wrestling. By integrating international expertise and establishing a robust high-performance framework, we aim to support our athletes comprehensively. Our ambition extends beyond winning medals; we aspire to create a sustainable model for long-term success," stated WFI president Sanjay Singh.

Expertise of the Coaches

The newly appointed coaches bring a wealth of experience in cultivating champions. Bentinidis, known as Shako, has previously collaborated with some of India's elite freestyle wrestlers. Gogi, a five-time world champion, has a notable history as the head coach of Russia's Greco-Roman team, leading them to 62 world championship medals, including 18 golds from 2006 to 2025.

Kosei Akaishi's Track Record

Kosei Akaishi has an impressive background, having served as the national coach and High-Performance Director for Japan's wrestling team, which secured four gold and two bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and achieved a record of eight gold, one silver, and two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Training Camps and Future Goals

The men's freestyle and Greco-Roman coaches will join the ongoing National Coaching camps at the SAI Regional Centre in Lucknow. Meanwhile, Akaishi will be based at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi for the women's camp. The coaches will collaborate with Butler, who will travel between Lucknow and New Delhi as preparations intensify for the 2026 Asian Games scheduled for September in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.