India’s wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.
Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India’s hopes in the men’s freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.
In the women’s division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India’s most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.
Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women’s 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.
India’s wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:
* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women’s 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)
* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)
* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 53kg (Antim Panghal)
* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men’s freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women’s 57kg (Anshu Malik)
* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 76kg (Reetika Hooda)
The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.
