Asian Wrestling Championships 2023: Deepak Punia, Sarita Mor lead depleted India squad in Astana

The bigwigs have decided to not participate in any event until the inquiry against WFI reaches its conclusion.

India clinched 17 medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships last year. Once again the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 will kick off. While the Paris Olympics qualifiers have already a lot on the line for athletes, Indian wrestling is also going through a tough phase. Many well-known faces have denied participation in the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023. 

Earlier, planned in New Delhi, the Asian Wrestling Championship is scheduled from 9th April to 14th April in Astana, Kazakhstan. 300 Athletes from 24 countries are aiming to start their quest for the Paris Olympics 2024. India had unfortunately lost its right to host the event after upsetting claims by wrestlers on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). 

Here is the full preview of the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 - 

Big names missing

Ravi Kumar Dhaiya, who is the reigning champion in the 57kg event, will not be defending his title this year. Indian favourites Ravi, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phohgat skipped the selection trials. Athletes were forced to take a strong stand until the inquiry against WFI reached a conclusion. The only two athletes who were part of the protest and yet are competing will be Sonam Malik and Anshu Malik. 

Indian squad for Asian Wrestling Championships 2023

Women's Freestyle: Neelam Sirohi (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Sito (55kg) Anshu Malik (57kg), Sarita Mor (59kg), Sonam Malik (62kg), Manisha (65kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), Reetika Hooda (72kg), Priya Malik (76kg).

Men's Freestyle: Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Pankaj (61kg), Anuj Kumar (65kg), Mulayam Yadav (70kg), Yash Tushir (74kg), Deepak (79kg), Jonty Kumar (86kg), Deepak Punia (92kg), Deepak Nehra (97kg), Anirudh Gulia (125kg).

Greco Roman: Rupin (55kg), Sumit (60kg), Neeraj Chhikara (63kg), Ashu Bazard (67kg), Vikas (72kg), Sajan Bhanwala (77kg), Rohit Dahiya (82kg), Sunil Kumar (87kg), Narender Cheema (97kg), Naveen Sevlia (130kg).

Players to watch out for

Commonwealth gold medalist Deepak Punia will be eying for his first gold medal in the 92 kg category.23-year-old  used to compete in the 86kg event. Punia has already won four Asian medals in the past. Last year he clinched the silver medal in the 86kg event. Notably, he also has one silver world championship medal in his tally. 

Another athlete to look out for in the men's category is Aman Sehrawat. He will be competing in the 57kg event at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023. 

On the other hand, in the women's event Sonam Malil, Sarita Mor, Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik are potential medalists for India. Sonam won the silver medal at last year’s Junior World Championship. She is also a two-time gold medalist in the World Cadet Wrestling Championship. 

While Anshu will look to upgrade her last year's bronze medal in the 57kg event. Just 19, Antim is the reigning champion of the Asian Junior Championship. 

Two-time Asian champion, Sarita will aim at her third title this year in 59 kg. The 27-year-old won her first gold in 2020. She lost her 59kg title last year to Japanese wrestler, Sara Natami; but secured the bronze. Sa

Paris Olympics Qualifications on the line

Although many top Indian stars like Vinesh Poghat and Ravi Kumar Dhaiya won’t be competing in this championship their hopes for Paris won’t be over. Before World Championships 2023, another qualifying event will be held. 

Interestingly, the winners of the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 will receive $2,300 while the second and third will secure $1,400 and $900 respectively. 

Where to watch the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023?

The live events will be streamed on the official UWW website and the UWW app. 

Will the big Indian athlete’s absence affect the performance of the nation? Or will the 30-member Indian squad be able to surpass the 17 medals mark from last year?