The ministry said wrestling is a popular sport not only in India but also in many other countries such as Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Japan and China.

"The exclusion of the discipline from the Olympics will demoralise the sports persons and will deeply affect the sustenance of the game in the future," the Ministry said. "The decision of the Executive Board of IOC is most unfortunate and shocking to all the sports loving people in India. "Keeping in view the vast popularity and mass participation in wrestling, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. Of India has decided to discuss the matter with the Wrestling Federation of India and prominent Wrestlers of the country," it added.