women lead India’s push for wrestling medals at Asiad

India’s women wrestlers, possessing a lot of experience, are expected to put up a better show in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

In the previous edition, three Indian women had bagged bronze medals. Of the three, two-time World championships medallist Antim Panghal (53kg) is returning with the hope of changing the colour of her medal. Barring 17-year-old Dipanshi (50kg), others in the squad are experienced. Former Asian champion Manisha Bhanwala (57kg) and World under-23 bronze medallist Priya Malik (76kg) are among the leading medal contenders.

Former Asian silver medallist Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and 2024 Worlds bronze medallist Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), who has recovered from an injury, are also capable of making the podium. “We expect tough competition from China, Japan, the Koreas and Central Asian countries. But we will win medals,” women’s coach Virender Dahiya said.

In men’s freestyle, Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat (57kg) and World under-23 champion Sujeet Kalkal (65kg) are the top names.

Aman, fighting in 61kg, took silver in the Zagreb Open and Asian Championships before switching back to his pet 57kg to strike gold in the Budapest Ranking Series. Uzbekistan’s World and Olympic medallist Gulomjon Abdullaev may be a roadblock for Aman, who aspires to upgrade his bronze from the Hangzhou edition to gold.

Sujeet, who claimed the yellow metal in the Zagreb Open, Muhamet Malo Ranking Series and Asian Championships, needs to overcome Olympic champion, Worlds silver medallist and local favourite Kotaro Kiyooka to achieve top honour.

Sagar Jaglan (74kg) has the potential to medal as well. Last edition’s 86kg silver medallist Deepak Punia’s decision to jump to 97kg may affect his movement. “We expect gold medals from Aman and Sujeet,” said freestyle coach Vinod Kumar.

In Greco-Roman, last Asiad’s bronze medallist Sunil Kumar (87kg), Asian under-23 champion Sumit Dalal (60kg) and Asian silver medallist Nitesh (97kg) will eye podium finishes. “Russian and Iranian wrestlers are representing Bahrain and Qatar after getting their citizenship. Nonetheless, we should win some medals,” Greco-Roman coach Hargobind Singh said.

Despite losing three wrestlers to doping, India should look at a better haul than the six medals it secured in Hangzhou three years ago.