Shropshire and Mid Wales athletes at Commonwealth Games

Two young athletes from Shropshire and mid Wales have flown out to Dehli as part of the Welsh wrestling team.

Damion Arzu from Newtown and Kiran Manu from Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere are among a seven strong team to represent Wales in the sport.

They travelled with husband and wife coaching team Alan and Sue Jones from Llanfyllin near Welshpool.

Welsh Wrestling National and Commonwealth Coaches, Alan and Sue said: "We will make history for Wales twice with the first Welsh wrestling team taking part and it will be the first time for women's wrestling in the Games.

"As wrestling is a tough physical demanding sport and one of the major sports in India. We are proud and passionate to fly the flag for Wales and have high hopes for the team going to India."

The current Welsh No 1, Damion has only been competing for the past 18 months.

Coached by Sue and Alan, the former Newtown High School student previously worked in a wool factory before turning his attention to wrestling. Damion has moved from football to freestyle wrestling and says he loves competing for Wales.

Kiran at just 17 is the youngest member of the team.

Her father, Bal , was also an international wrestler in the heavyweight and super heavy weight sections. He has also travelled with the team as part of the coaching set up.

"Kiran's mother, grandmother and sisters have already gone out to Dehli to support her. We are very proud of her," he said.

Team Wales' Chef de Mission, Chris Jenkins said: "Delhi will see Wales field its first ever wrestling squad at a Commonwealth Games so we're really excited to welcome them into the Team Wales fold."

By SUE AUSTIN