Wrestling Star Bajrang Punia Qualifies for World Championship

New Delhi, July 26: India’s star wrestler Bajrang Punia today defeated Harphul Singh in the trials held in New Delhi and booked a berth in India's World Championship squad in the 65kg category.

 

Last year's U-23 World Championship silver-medallist, Ravi Kumar Dahiya earned his chance by winning the most competitive 57 kg category during the trials. It featured seven wrestlers, including Sandeep Tomar and Utkarsh Kale. However, it was Ravi, who booked a flight to Kazakhstan after outplaying Rahul 12-2 in the final bout.

The 86kg category also featured just two grapplers with Deepak Punia winning 5-0 against Pawan. A few exciting bouts were witnessed in the 97kg category in which Mausam Khatri emerged winner by beating Satyawart Kadiyan 8-1 in the final. 

Also booking a berth in the World Championship, slated to be held in Kazakshtan from Septmber 14th to 22nd, was Sumit Malik in the 125kg category. He beat Satender 3-0 in the final. 

"> 

The trials for the 74kg category, in which two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar competes, have been pushed to next month since both Jitender Kumar and Praveen Kumar are injured. They sought more time to recover and the WFI obliged.