Wrestling referee Ashok Kumar creates history, becomes first Indian to officiate in 2016 Rio Games

Ashok Kumar receiving UWW Certificate from UWW Technical Officials ChiefAntonio SilvestriMr. Ashok Kumar, International UWW Referee from India has been qualified for officiating in the 2016 RIO Olympic Games scheduled to be held at Rio-de-Janeiro Brazil from 5th to 21st August 2016. Mr. Ashok Kumar is presently serving in the Indian Air-Force as Warrant Officer.

Total 50 Referees including Supervisors and Instructors have been qualified for the Olympics. The UWW has picked total 9 Referees from Asia and out of the only one from India. These Referees were selected based upon their performance during the 2015 World Senior Wrestling Championship held at Las Vegas from 6th to 12th September 2015 and subsequently the Clinic conducted for these Referees at Sochi Russia from 11th to 13th December 2015.

It is first time in the Indian Wrestling history that an Indian Referee will be officiating in the Olympic Games. Mr. Ashok Kumar has participated in more than 50 International tournaments as Referee.