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Tokyo Olympics Medalists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya Face Qualification Setback for Paris Olympics

Kalyani Jha
11 Mar, 2024

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Tokyo Olympics medalists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya's dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympics were shattered on Sunday during the selection trials for the national team. Punia, competing in the men's freestyle 65kg category, faced a crushing defeat with a score of 1-9 against Rohit Kumar in the semifinals. Earlier, Punia barely managed to secure a victory against Ravinder in the opening round, winning by a slim margin of 3-3 on criteria.

Punia's journey could have ended in the opening bout itself if Ravinder had not conceded a caution point. Despite training rigorously in Russia for the trials organized by the IOA ad-hoc panel, Punia's hopes were dashed as he exited the competition. Even after his elimination, Punia chose to depart from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Haryana's Sonipat, declining to stay back for the third-fourth place bout or provide a sample for a dope test.

Meanwhile, Sujeet Kalakal emerged as a contender striving for qualification in the 65kg category after securing a spot in the Indian team. Sujeet, who had previously challenged Punia's direct entry for the Hangzhou Asian Games, defeated Rohit by technical superiority in the final bout. As a result, Rohit will now represent India at the Asian Championships.

The winners of the selection trials, including Sujeet, will have the opportunity to compete at the Asian and World Olympic Qualifiers scheduled to take place in Bishkek from April 19-21 and in Istanbul from May 9-12. Despite the setback, India remains determined to secure more quotas for the Paris Olympics.

In the men's 57kg category, another intense battle unfolded between Tokyo Games silver medalist Ravi Dahiya and rising star Aman Sehrawat. Dahiya, making a comeback from injury, suffered a high-scoring defeat of 13-14 against Aman in the opening bout. With his victory, Aman is set to represent India at the Olympic Qualifiers and is poised to make a significant impact with his exceptional talent.

As India continues its quest for Olympic qualification, the trials showcased the fierce competition and determination among wrestlers vying for a coveted spot in the national team. The Indian wrestling fraternity remains steadfast in its pursuit of glory, with hopes pinned on securing more quotas for the Paris Olympics.

Indian Team for the Asian Qualifiers:

- 57kg: Aman Sehrawat

- 65kg: Sujeet Kalkal

- 74kg: Jaideep

- 86kg: Deepak Punia

- 97kg: Deepak Nehra

- 125kg: Sumit Malik