After the completion of the men's trials, India's wrestling squad for the event has been finalized, with Deepak Punia leading the way.
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In the recent Asian Games 2022 selection trials, Deepak Punia, the Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medalist, emerged as the champion in the men’s 86 kg category. Having secured his spot for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, he’s also anticipating strong performances at the World Wrestling Championships and Asian Games.
After the completion of the men’s trials, India’s wrestling squad for the event has been finalized, with Deepak Punia leading the way. “I have been selected for the Asian Games today and I have planned well for the event. There are two big tournaments this year – World Wrestling Championship and Asian Games,” shared Punia in a conversation with ANI.
Bajrang Punia (men’s 65kg) and Vinesh Phogat (women’s 53kg) were granted direct entries to the Hangzhou Games, owing to an exemption from the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee, which oversees the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Vishal Kaliraman, who defeated Rohit in the 65kg category finals, will act as a backup for Bajrang. Additionally, Yash, Vicky, and Sumit confirmed their participation in the 74kg, 97kg, and 125 kg men’s freestyle categories, respectively.
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The women’s trials concluded on Saturday with a few shocking outcomes, including world championship medalists Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik failing to secure a spot for the Asian Games 2022. Despite defeating Anshu Malik in the initial round of the women’s 57kg category, Sarita Mor fell in the semi-finals to junior world championships bronze medallist Mansi Ahlawat.
Antim Panghal, the 2022 U-20 world champion, ruled the 53 kg category and will serve as a reserve for Vinesh Phogat. Pooja Gehlot, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, claimed the 50 kg slot, and Sonam Malik outclassed Manisha in the 62kg trials. The women’s 68 kg category witnessed an upset with Radhika, who dethroned favorite Nisha Dahiya, bagging the win. The 76kg division was won by Kiran.
In the 60 kg Greco-Roman division, Gyanender, a former Asian championships bronze medallist, stood out among the rest. Regular faces, Neeraj, Naveen, and Narinder Cheema, were also among the selectees. Sajan Bhanwal, the first Indian Greco-Roman wrestler to win a U23 world championships medal, however, didn’t make the cut in the 77kg category.
Greco-Roman category
Gyanender (60kg), Neeraj (67kg), Vikash (77kg), Sunil Kumar (87kg), Narinder Cheema (97kg), Naveen (130kg).
Women’s freestyle
Pooja Gehlot (50kg), Vinesh Phogat (53kg, with Antim Panghal as standby), Mansi Ahlawat (57kg), Sonam Malik (62kg), Radhika (68kg), Kiran (76kg).
Men’s freestyle
Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Bajrang Punia (65kg, with Vishal Kaliraman as standby), Yash (74kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Vicky (97kg), Sumit (125kg).
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