The Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 is set to witness a blend of young talent and experienced prowess, with World Championships bronze medallist Sarita Mor leading the Indian squad. The event, commencing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on April 11, will be the first international wrestling event for the Indian team since the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was lifted.
Challenges lie ahead of Sarita Mor
Sarita Mor, a two-time Asian Championships gold medallist, is the most prominent name in the Indian squad. Her performance at the championships has been remarkable, with her winning two golds, a silver, and a bronze in previous editions. She will be closely watched as she steps onto the mat, carrying the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.
Sarita Mor (59kg) wins Gold medal in Asian Wrestling Championships; defeats Mongolian wrestler Baatarjavyn Shoovdor 10-7 in final.
Congratulations!! @saritamor3 👏 pic.twitter.com/wE0wJwk4oQ
— The Sportz Times (@TheSportzTimes) April 15, 2021
The championships will also see the participation of next-generation players like Antim Kundu and Anirudh Kumar. Kundu, a silver medallist at the U20 World Championships, and Kumar, a bronze medallist at the U23 World Championships, are expected to make their mark at the event.
The focus of the event is not just on the veterans but also on the young and upcoming wrestlers. With the main wrestlers not in contention, it’s an opportunity for the next generation to prove themselves on the big stage. The second-ranked wrestlers in the Olympic weight categories from the trials will be fighting in the Asian Championships.
One such young talent is Manglenthlang Kipgen, who will represent India in the women’s 53kg category. Kipgen had won the 53kg trials whereas Vinesh Phogat had finished in top-4 to stay in contention in that category. This championship will be a significant platform for her to showcase her skills and potential.
In the men’s freestyle category, Rohit, who had outplayed Bajrang Punia in the men’s 65kg trials, will be looking to make up for the lost opportunity. Yash Tushir, striving to excel in the 74kg category, will also be keen to put up a strong performance.
The Indian team, deprived of enough international competitions in 2023 due to the chaotic situation in the WFI, will be keen to showcase their talent and earn podium finishes in the continental event. India had gathered one gold, three silver, and ten bronze medals in the previous edition.
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