Report: Ravi Dahiya out of Asian Wrestling Championships due to knee injury

The three-time gold medallists in the event has pulled out of the selection trials.

Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya has been reportedly ruled out of the Asian Wrestling Championships due to a knee injury. Dahiya has pulled out of the selection trials that will take place at the Indira Gandhi stadium on March 10.

A report from Hindustan Times states that Dahiya injured himself during a practice bout at the Chhatrasal Stadium on February 6. Scans revealed grade 2 tears on his right knee in Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

"Usually it takes 6-8 weeks for the MCL injury to heal. The MCL injury is slightly more than the ACL but it is a very important ligament for the stability of the knee, so we have to be very careful in planning his recovery," Munesh, senior sports physiotherapist with Olympic Gold Quest, was quoted by the national daily as saying.

The Asian Wrestling Championships is set to be held from 09-14 April in Astana, Kazakhstan. Ravi Dahiya has not participated in a single tournament post the 2022 World Championships. He lost in the first round Gulomjon Abdullaev in the 57kg category bowing out of the event. The Olympic silver medallist also did not take part in the ranking series held in February.

Two important events (World Championships and the Asian Games) are lined up later this year, and the wrestlers will be looking to make the most out of it by staying fit and remaining injury free.

Top wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Jitender and Satyawart Kadian, who had protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), have decided against taking part in the trials. On the other hand, Delhi High Court has allowed five wrestlers (Anuj Kumar, Chander Mohan, Vijay, Ankit and Sachin Mor) to compete in the trials. The following wrestlers moved to court after being left out of the shortlist set by the Oversight committee. 

Indian wrestling contingent had below-par performances in both the ranking series held earlier this year. With top wrestlers staying out of the Asian Championships, the youngsters will have a good chance to showcase their talent at the continental event.