Mysuru: For the first time in 10 years, the national level participants have been barred from wrestling competitions during this year’s Dasara to promote local talent.

Disclosing the details, Dasara Wrestling Sub-committee Secretary Ravikumar said this had been done to cut the costs as well as promote local talent, setting a new precedent in 10 years.

National level participants demand more allowances along with allotted amount and their participation denies opportunity for local talent, Ravi Kumar said justifying the move.

Wrestlers from the state will get their due during this year’s Dasara wrestling competition to exhibit their talent and the prize money can be increased to promote fresh talents, said a senior wrestler appreciating the decision.

Opposing the move, one more senior wrestler said local wrestlers were denied an opportunity to raise their skills through healthy competition with national level participants and their non-participation takes the glitter associated with sport.

More number of people are unhappy with the latest move as they will be deprived of high calibre wrestling bouts.