Sakshi, Bajrang: 4 Indians to Watch in World Wrestling C’ships
Here’s a look at the players to watch out for from the Indian squad at the World Wrestling Championships.
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- Sakshi Malik (60 kg) and Vinesh Phogat (48 kg) will start their campaign at the World Wrestling Championships from Thursday at 1:30 PM IST.
- Sandeep Tomar (57 kg) will start his campaign at 1:30 PM IST on Friday.
- Bajrang Punia (65 kg) will begin his campaign at 1:30 PM IST on Saturday.
- Catch live action of all the matches here.
The Indian contingent is all set for the challenge at the World Wrestling Championships. The tournament began on 21 August in Paris.
But, the Indian star wrestlers – Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat will start their campaign on Thursday. Sandeep Tomar and Bajrang Punia will begin their campaign on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Sakshi Malik, who won the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, will be leading the women’s team charge, along with 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat.
As far as the men’s team is concerned, all eyes will be on the 2013 World Championships bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and Commonwealth Wrestling Championship gold medallist Sandeep Tomar.
Here’s a look at the players to watch out for from the Indian squad.
1. Sakshi Malik
Sakshi Malik bagged the silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi in May. The 24-year-old had participated in her first major tournament after the Rio Olympics.
Competing in an international tournament after almost nine months, Malik looked rusty when she faced Japan's Risako Kawai in the 60kg category gold medal bout. The wrestler lost 10-0.
Therefore, the Rohtak star will be certainly looking to up her game and acquire the best possible result at the World Championships.
2. Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat, too, participated in her first major tournament at the Asian Wrestling Championship earlier this year.
After the 22-year-old suffered a horrific knee injury during her quarter-final match at the Rio Olympics, Vinesh could only return to action after nine months.
In her comeback tournament, Vinesh decided to compete in the 55kg category instead of the 48 kg category.
The wrestler showed her grit and determination en route to her silver medal at the Asian Championships. She lost to to Sae Nanjo of Japan in the final.
Vinesh Phogat will be returning to the 48kg category in the World Championships.
3. Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia made it to the Indian wrestling squad after defeating Rahul Mann in the final selection trial for the 65kg category on 12 August.
Mann won the selection trials, which was held in Sonepat last month, but Punia didn’t take part in the trials due to viral fever.
He requested the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for an opportunity in a selection trial after he recovers from fever, which was duly obliged.
Punia will be entering the World Championships with confidence as he had clinched the gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship after Korea’s Lee Seung-Chul 6-2 in the final.
4. Sandeep Tomar
Sandeep Tomar bowed out of the Asian Wrestling Championship due to a knee injury, but now he is fit and ready to compete.
Tomar has shown a lot of promise over the years and caught everyone’s especially when he beat Rio Olympics gold medallist Vladimir Khinchegashvili in the Pro Wrestling League in January this year.
Tomar will be certainly looking to be at his best during the World Championships.
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