NON-SELECTION for the Beijing Olympics due to a technicality caused local wrestling star Farzad Tarash heartburn for more than two years.

The 23-year-old's disappointment was tempered by news of his inclusion in Australia's team to compete at next month's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

"I qualified for the Olympics - 18 of us qualified," Tarash explained.

"Oceania could pick seven and only three spots went to Australians.

"The others had to go to the island nations so it was disappointing to miss out."

Tarash will have the honour of representing his nation alongside younger sibling Mehrdad.

The brothers will be going for gold in a western suburbs-dominated wrestling team.

"I was very excited to be selected," Tarash said.

"I've had a lot of international experience, but this will be my first major event."

Tarash has no intentions of flying to India merely to make up the numbers.

He is the national champion in the 60-kilogram freestyle class.

His inclusion in the national team came after three stages of competition confirmed his No.1 ranking.

"I think I have a really good chance," he said of his medal hopes.

"I see Canada, India and South Africa as the main threats."

Tarash came from a good wrestling nursery.

His dad, Parviz, was a national champion in his native Iran.

Coach Sam Parker is recognised as one of the best in the nation.

He has a stable of stars under his charge at the Hawthorn Citizens Youth Club, which - oddly - is based in Altona North.

"We're the major club in Australia," Tarash said.

"There's only three or four clubs in Melbourne and we have the most champions."

The competitive nature between the brothers will come out in the international arena.

The two train six days a week and are not immune to testing each other out in the gym.

The team will fly to Delhi on September 29.

Lance Jenkinson