Asian Games 2023: 18-Man Wrestling Contingent To Be Led By Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat | Full Squad

Following a difficult selection procedure in the Kedar Jadhav Hall in New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, the Indian wrestling squad for the Asian Games 2023 was formally announced. Selection trials were conducted on Saturday for the Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle wrestlers, and on Sunday for the men’s freestyle wrestlers at the same location.

The Indian Olympic Association’s ad-hoc committee, which manages the day-to-day operations of the Wrestling Federation of India, excused Vinesh Phogat (women’s 53kg) and Bajrang Punia (men’s 65kg) from the trials. Direct entry for the Hangzhou Games were given to the pair. However, trials were still held in each of their divisions, and the winners would act as backups.

In all, 18 wrestlers were chosen to represent India in the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 (six in Greco-Roman, men’s freestyle, and women’s freestyle). Two standbys were also selected for the women’s 53kg and men’s 65kg divisions.

The exclusion of Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya off the roster was a major trial result. Ravi Dahiya, who was competing in the men’s 57kg division, was eliminated early in the first round after getting pinned by Atish Todkar. Following his rehabilitation from a knee ailment, it was Ravi Dahiya’s first appearance at the trials in New Delhi this year.

Aman Sehrawat, an Asian and U23 world champion in the weight class, won the men’s 57kg quota. In the final, Aman triumphed against Rahul, who had previously eliminated Todkar in the semifinals.

Olympic competitor Deepak Punia defeated a determined Jonty to win the men’s 86kg spot. Vishal Kaliraman won the 65kg class and will replace Bajrang Punia as the backup in that division.

The men’s freestyle positions for the 74kg, 97kg, and 125kg weight categories were won by Yash, Vicky, and Sumit, respectively.

Unexpected results occurred in the women’s division, as medalists from the global championships Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik both missed the cut. Women’s 57kg champion Sarita Mor beat Anshu Malik 6-4 in the first round but succumbed to junior world championships bronze winner Mansi Ahlawat in the semi-finals. Ahlawat eventually won the class by defeating fellow junior wrestler Sito.

The 53kg class was dominated by 2022 U-20 world champion Antim Panghal, who pinned Manju in the championship match. The 19-year-old will, however, act as Vinesh Phogat’s backup.

By pinning Nirmala Devi in the championship match, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Pooja Gehlot claimed the 50 kg spot. Sonam Malik defeated Manisha by fall to win the 62 kg trials. Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik did not participate in the trials and will thus be absent at the Asian Games.

Another shocker occurred in the women’s 68kg division, when Radhika was unexpectedly declared the victor. She won the semifinal match against Priyanka after defeating the favorite, Nisha Dahiya. Kiran defeated Divya Kakran in the decisive match to win the 76 kg division.

Former Asian bronze medalist Gyanender was the best wrestler in the 60kg level in the Greco-Roman division. Neeraj, Naveen, and Narinder Cheema, in the meanwhile, clinched their positions in their respective weight divisions. Sajan Bhanwal, the first Greco-Roman wrestler from India to ever win a medal at the U-23 world championships last year, was not selected for the 77kg division.

Check India’s full wrestling squad here:

Greco-Roman

Gyanender – 60kg
Neeraj – 67kg
Vikash – 77kg
Sunil Kumar – 87kg
Narinder Cheema – 97kg
Naveen – 130kg

Women’s freestyle

Pooja Gehlot – 50kg
Vinesh Phogat – 53kg (Antim Panghal as standby)
Mansi Ahlawat – 57kg
Sonam Malik – 62kg
Radhika – 68kg
Kiran – 76kg

Men’s freestyle

Aman Sehrawat – 57kg
Bajrang Punia – 65kg (Vishal Kaliraman as standby)
Yash – 74kg
Deepak Punia – 86kg
Vicky – 97kg
Sumit – 125kg