India will head into the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with an experienced wrestling contingent hoping to improve on the six-medal haul secured in Hangzhou three years ago.
The women’s squad carries significant expectations after three Indian wrestlers won bronze medals at the previous edition. Two-time World Championships medallist Antim Panghal will return in the 53kg category and will be aiming to improve on her bronze.
Apart from 17-year-old Dipanshi in the 50kg division, India’s women’s team features several experienced competitors. Former Asian champion Manisha Bhanwala will compete at 57kg, while World under-23 bronze medallist Priya Malik will represent India in the 76kg category.
Former Asian silver medallist Nisha Dahiya, competing at 68kg, and former World Championships bronze medallist Mansi Ahlawat at 62kg are also among India’s medal prospects. Mansi returns after recovering from an injury.
“We expect tough competition from China, Japan, the Koreas and Central Asian countries. But we will win better medals,” women’s coach Virender Dahiya said.
In men’s freestyle, Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat and World Under-23 champion Sujeet Kalkal headline India’s challenge.
Aman won silver medals at the Zagreb Open and Asian Championship while competing at 61kg before returning to his preferred 57kg division and taking gold at the Budapest Ranking Series. Uzbek World and Olympic medallist Gulomjon Abdullaev could provide a major challenge as Aman targets gold.
Sujeet has enjoyed a strong year, winning gold at the Zagreb Open, Muhamet Malo Ranking Series and Asian Championships. His 65kg competition includes Olympic champion and Worlds silver medallist Kotaro Kiyooka, who will have home advantage.
“We expect two gold medals from Aman and Sujeet,” freestyle coach Vinod Kumar said.
Sagar Jaglan at 74kg is another medal prospect, while previous Asian Games 86kg silver medallist Deepak Punia has moved up to 97kg, a switch that could affect his movement.
India will also chase medals in Greco-Roman through Sunil Kumar at 87kg, Sumit Dalal at 60kg and Nitesh at 97kg.
“Odds have increased as Russian and Iranian wrestlers are representing Bahrain and Qatar after getting their citizenship. Nonetheless, we should get some medals,” Greco-Roman coach Hargobind Singh said.
Despite losing three wrestlers due to doping, India will be looking to surpass its six-medal performance from Hangzhou.
