New Delhi: The Indian wrestling team for the Asian Games 2023 has been finalised after intense selection trials held at the Kedar Jadhav Hall in New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium over the weekend. While Bajrang Punia (men’s 65kg) and Vinesh Phogat (women’s 53kg) received direct entries to the Hangzhou Games, the remaining wrestlers battled it out for their spots in the prestigious event.
Notably, Olympic silver medalist Ravi Kumar Dahiya faced a setback, missing out on a berth for the Asian Games. Competing in the men’s 57kg category, Dahiya suffered an early exit in the first round, being pinned by Atish Todkar. Aman Sehrawat, an Asian and U23 world champion, secured the men’s 57kg quota by emerging victorious in the trials.
In the men’s freestyle category, Deepak Punia secured the 86kg berth, defeating a spirited Jonty in the final. Vishal Kaliraman will serve as the standby for Bajrang Punia in the 65kg division after beating Rohit in the final.
The men’s freestyle slots were clinched by Yash (74kg), Vicky (97kg), and Sumit (125kg).
The women’s section saw some surprises as world championship medalists Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik failed to make the cut. Sarita Mor defeated Anshu Malik in the first round of the women’s 57kg category but later lost in the semi-finals to junior world championship bronze medalist Mansi Ahlawat, who eventually won the division. Antim Panghal, the 2022 U-20 world champion, dominated the 53kg division, but she will serve as a standby for Vinesh Phogat.
Pooja Gehlot secured the 50kg slot in the women’s freestyle category by pinning Nirmala Devi in the final. Sonam Malik won the 62-kg trials with a victory over Manisha. However, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik did not participate in the trials and will miss the Asian Games.
The women’s 68kg category witnessed an upset, with Radhika emerging as the surprising winner after defeating favourite Nisha Dahiya and then clinching victory over Priyanka in the final. Kiran secured the 76-kg berth by outwrestling Divya Kakran in the deciding bout.
In the Greco-Roman category, Gyanender stood out as the top wrestler in the 60kg division, while Neeraj, Naveen, and Narinder Cheema also secured their spots.
Notably, Sajan Bhanwal, the first-ever Indian Greco-Roman wrestler to win a medal at the U-23 world championships last year, failed to make the cut in the 77kg category.
With the final lineup confirmed, the Indian wrestling contingent looks forward to showcasing their skills and competing for glory at the Asian Games, scheduled to commence in Hangzhou on August 7th. Wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling bouts that will unfold during this prestigious event.
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