Iranian Wrestling Coach Applies for Indian Position Amid West Asia Crisis
New Delhi: In a significant development for Indian wrestling, Iranian coach Saeid Abbaszadeh has formally applied for the position of Greco-Roman wrestling coach for India's national team. This application comes at a time when Iran is embroiled in escalating regional conflicts in West Asia, adding a geopolitical dimension to the sports appointment.
Coach's Extensive International Experience
Abbaszadeh brings over fifteen years of substantial coaching experience to the table, having previously mentored wrestlers across multiple Asian nations. His professional portfolio includes successful coaching stints in the Philippines, Iraq, and Thailand, where he developed athletes at various competitive levels. The 42-year-old coach's diverse international background makes him a compelling candidate for India's wrestling program.
Administrative Process and Contract Details
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has already finalized Abbaszadeh's name for the position, but his application remains pending approval before the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Once the formal contract is signed between Abbaszadeh and SAI, the Iranian coach is expected to join India's national wrestling setup next month. His proposed monthly salary has been fixed at $3,000, which converts to approximately 2.5 lakh Indian rupees.
The federation had initially hoped for Abbaszadeh to join before the forthcoming Senior Asian Championships scheduled in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 6 to 12. However, administrative delays have postponed this timeline. According to current plans, his contract is expected to run through the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, providing long-term stability to India's Greco-Roman wrestling program.
Parallel Coaching Appointments for Freestyle and Women's Wrestling
In related developments, the WFI has also finalized coaching appointments for other wrestling disciplines. For men's freestyle wrestling, Georgian coach Shako Bentinidis has been selected to guide athletes through the Los Angeles Olympics cycle. Bentinidis, who previously coached Indian wrestling star Bajrang Punia, will receive a monthly salary of $3,000 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh).
Bentinidis played an instrumental role in Bajrang Punia's career achievements, including an Asian Games medal in 2018, a third-place finish at the 2019 World Championships, and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games in 2020. The Georgian coach ended his association with Bajrang in 2021 but now returns to guide India's freestyle wrestlers.
High-Profile Appointment for Women's Wrestling
For women's wrestling, the federation has secured American coach Ian Butler, a two-time World Championships medallist with an impressive competitive record. Butler has also earned Pan American silver medals and multiple Open championships across global combat sports platforms. His coaching credentials include international work with both Team USA and Team Canada as head coach.
According to WFI sources, negotiations with Butler proved challenging as he initially quoted an astronomical monthly salary of $25,000 (approximately Rs 20.8 lakh). After extensive discussions, the parties reached an agreement at $8,000 per month (approximately Rs 6.6 lakh). Butler will serve as the chief foreign coach for India's women wrestlers.
Background of Foreign Coach Recruitment
The Wrestling Federation of India initiated this recruitment drive by inviting applications from foreign coaches in September last year, marking the end of a long gap in such international appointments. This comprehensive coaching overhaul represents a strategic investment in India's wrestling future across all major disciplines.
