Jalandhar, Dec 19 (ANI): The three-day Commonwealth Wrestling Championship tournament began in Jalandhar on Friday (December 18).

The championship is being organised by the Wrestling Federation of India and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in a joint venture.

The tournament will be held during December 18-20.

Wrestlers from various countries including Australia, Iran, England, Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, Nigeria and Pakistan, apart from host India are participating in the event being held at the PAP Indoor Stadium.

The championship would feature competition in Free Style, Greeco Roman and female Wrestling categories.Olympic medal winning wrestler Sushil Kumar, who will lead India at the senior level in the championship, appeared confident and said India would definitely give a good performance.

“All wrestlers are fit and we are hoping that we will win lot of gold medals this time. All wrestlers will give a good performance. We are hoping good performance from all the players in all categories from 50 kilograms which is minimum weight till 120 kilograms of weight,” he said.

A total of 137 wrestlers including 37 female participants from 12 countries will vie for top honours.

The competition between the participating countries matters the most, said a wrestler from Pakistan.

“We have been giving good performance till now. So many participants from various countries are here. Winning or losing is a regular thing but we are enjoying facing the competition,” said Mohammad Umr, the Pakistani wrestler.

The other star attractions of the championship are Justine Bouchard, bronze medal winner in 2009 World Championship and India’s Alka Tomar, bronze medal winner in 2006 World Championship.

Around fifty coaches from all over India are expected to take part in the event, guiding and encouraging their participants.

On Friday Indian wrestlers produced an impressive performance in Greco-Roman Style competition, winning six out of seven gold medals. (ANI)