Nisha Dahiya will launch India’s wrestling efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat faces a significant challenge. Exclusive Coverage by Riyasat News.
India’s Wrestling Campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics: A Comprehensive Overview
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, India is gearing up to make a significant impact in the world of wrestling. The Games, set to commence on August 5, 2024, at the iconic Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital, will see six Indian wrestlers competing across various weight categories. This will be the 21st edition of the Olympic Games where Indian wrestlers will showcase their talent and determination. Let’s delve into the details of India’s wrestling contingent, their schedule, and the challenges they face.
India’s Wrestling Contingent
India’s wrestling team for the Paris Olympics comprises a mix of seasoned wrestlers and promising newcomers. Among the notable names are:
- Vinesh Phogat: A two-time Olympian, Vinesh will compete in the 50kg category. She previously competed in the 48kg at Rio 2016 and the 53kg at Tokyo 2020. With two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games (CWG) medals, and eight Asian Championships medals to her name, Phogat is one of India’s most accomplished female wrestlers. However, she has yet to secure an Olympic medal and will be looking to make a significant impact in Paris.
- Anshu Malik: The Commonwealth Games silver medallist will be competing in the women’s 57kg category. Malik’s recent performances have garnered attention, and she will be looking to build on her successes at the international level.
- Reetika Hooda: The U-23 World Champion is India’s sole representative in the heavyweight category (women’s 76kg). This will be Hooda’s Olympic debut, and she will be eager to make her mark on the global stage.
- Nisha Dahiya: An Asian Championships silver medallist, Dahiya will compete in the women’s 68kg category. This will be her first appearance at the Olympics, and she will be aiming to perform well and gain valuable experience.
- Aman Sehrawat: The 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medallist is India’s only male wrestler in the 57kg freestyle category. Sehrawat replaced Ravi Dahiya in this weight class and is seen as one of India’s top prospects.
- Antim Panghal: Having secured the Paris Olympics quota in the 53kg category at the World Championships, Panghal will also be making her Olympic debut in Paris.
Challenges and Hopes
The Indian wrestling team faces a mix of challenges and hopes as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. Vinesh Phogat, in particular, has had a tumultuous journey. At the 2016 Rio Games, Phogat’s campaign was cut short due to a freak leg injury during her quarterfinal bout. In Tokyo 2020, she faced a disappointing defeat by fall in the quarterfinals and was subsequently suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) due to allegations of misconduct. Despite these setbacks, Phogat has fought back, taking legal action against the WFI chief over allegations of sexual misconduct. However, this prolonged battle impacted her preparation and participation in the World Championships. To qualify for the Olympics, she has dropped to the 50kg category, facing a field of seasoned wrestlers as she is unseeded in this weight class.
Similarly, Anshu Malik, Reetika Hooda, and Nisha Dahiya will be making their Olympic debuts. Each of these wrestlers has shown promise and potential in their respective categories, but they will need to overcome formidable opponents to achieve success on the Olympic stage. Reetika Hooda, competing in the heavyweight category, will face a particularly tough challenge, given the strength and experience of her competitors.
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Schedule for India’s Wrestling Events
The schedule for India’s wrestling events at the Paris 2024 Olympics is as follows:
- August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women’s 68kg (Nisha Dahiya) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals
- August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 50kg (Vinesh Phogat) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals
- August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 53kg (Antim Panghal) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals
- August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men’s Freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals
Women’s 57kg (Anshu Malik) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals - August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 76kg (Reetika Hooda) – Qualification bouts through to Semifinals
Note: Repechage and medal bouts for all categories will take place a day after the quarterfinals.
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Conclusion
As India’s wrestling team prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the spotlight will be on how they navigate their respective challenges and seize the opportunity to excel on the global stage. With a mix of experienced athletes and promising newcomers, the team is poised to deliver strong performances and showcase their talent. Fans and supporters will be eagerly watching to see how each wrestler fares and whether India can add to its legacy in the sport of wrestling.
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