The Asian Wrestling Championship 2024, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, witnessed an impressive performance from the Indian wrestling contingent. Two young wrestlers, Radhika and Shivanee Pawar, emerged as the stars of the day, clinching silver and bronze medals respectively.
India Contingent’s resounding success at the Asian Wrestling Championship
Radhika, a 23-year-old wrestler, competed in the women’s 68kg category. She started her journey to the finals with a resounding 12-2 victory over Kazakhstan’s Albina Kairgeldinova in the quarter-finals. She then secured a 2-0 win over Gulnura Tashtanbekova of Kyrgyzstan in the semi-finals. Despite her best efforts, Radhika had to settle for a silver medal after losing 15-2 to the reigning world champion, Nonoka Ozaki of Japan, in the gold medal bout.
On the other hand, Shivanee Pawar showcased her skills in the women’s 50kg weight class. She began the day with an 8-6 win over Samnang Dit of Cambodia in the qualification round. Despite suffering a 4-0 defeat to the eventual silver medallist, Ziqi Feng of China, in the quarter-finals, Shivanee bounced back in the bronze medal match. She pulled off an impressive 9-7 victory over two-time world championships silver medallist Dolgorjavyn Otgonjargal of Mongolia, thereby securing a bronze medal for India.
While Radhika and Shivanee were the medal winners of the day, other Indian wrestlers also put up commendable performances. Pushpa Yadav and Priya, who competed in the 59kg and 76kg weight categories respectively, reached the bronze medal matches but unfortunately returned empty-handed. Tamanna, competing in the 55kg qualification round, was defeated 9-0 by Japan’s Moe Kiyooka.
Indian women wrestlers shine with two podium finishes today! 🤼♀️🏅
While Radhika get silver 🥈 in WW 68 Kg in at the Senior Asian #Wrestling Championship 2024, Shivanee Pawar grabs the bronze 🥉in WW 50 Kg after a thrilling final seconds victory.
Congratulations to both! 🏆🎇… pic.twitter.com/agzo1H3GRR
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) April 13, 2024
The Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 marked a significant event for the Indian wrestling team. The team’s performance, especially the medal-winning feats of Radhika and Shivanee, highlighted the potential and progress of Indian women’s wrestling on the international stage.
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