Vinesh Phogat, India’s most decorated female wrestler, faces a daunting task as she prepares for the Paris Olympics. With two World Championship medals, three Commonwealth Games medals, and eight Asian Championship medals, Vinesh’s talent is undeniable. However, her previous two Olympic experiences have been marred by heartbreak. A broken leg in Rio 2016 and a devastating defeat in Tokyo 2021 left her deeply affected. Accusations of misconduct and a suspension from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) further compounded her struggles. Vinesh revealed battling depression and questioned her return to the sport. Yet, she persevered, resuming her wrestling career and leading a protest against the WFI chief accused of sexual misconduct. This battle, while impacting the wrestling community, has left Vinesh facing additional hurdles. She was unable to compete in the World Championships, leading to a shift to the 50kg category, a move that places her against established competitors.
The 50kg category features formidable opponents, including four-time world champion Yui Susaki, four-time Olympic medalist Maria Stadnik, Tokyo Games bronze medalist Sarah Hildebrandt, and two-time World medalist Dolgorjavyn Otgonjargal. While Vinesh possesses talent, hunger, and passion, her lack of recent competition against top-level wrestlers raises concerns.
India’s other medal hopes rest on Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg) and Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57kg). However, Malik’s fitness is questionable after a neck spasm during training. Her second Olympic appearance is uncertain. Antim Panghal, another contender, faces concerns due to a lack of competition since the 2023 Asian Games. She missed the Asian Championship due to a back injury, leaving her preparedness unclear. The WFI’s suspension and the absence of a national camp have hampered the team’s preparation.
Aman Sehrawat has shown consistent improvement, replacing Tokyo Games silver medalist Ravi Dahiya in the 57kg category. While Sehrawat may not possess Dahiya’s resilience, the U23 world champion is eager to succeed. He will face tough opponents like 2022 World Champion and Rio Games silver medalist Rei Higuchi from Japan and 2023 world bronze medalist Arsen Harutyunyan from Armenia. India’s wrestling contingent also includes Reetika in the 76kg category, a debutant with potential for an upset. Nisha Dahiya, despite improvements, lacks the experience necessary to compete at the highest level.
Indian wrestlers have consistently secured Olympic medals since the 2008 Beijing Games. These six athletes bear the responsibility of maintaining this impressive streak and continuing India’s wrestling success.
India’s wrestling schedule:
* August 5 (1830hrs IST) Women’s 68kg (Nisha Dahiya): Qualification bouts till Semifinals
* August 6 (1500hrs IST) Women’s 50kg (Vinesh Phogat): Qualification bouts till Semifinals
* August 7 (1500hrs IST) Women’s 53kg (Antim Panghal): Qualification bouts till Semifinals
* August 8 (1500hrs IST) Men’s freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat): Qualification bouts till Semifinals
* August 8 (1500hrs IST) Women’s 57kg (Anshu Malik):
* August 10 (1500hrs IST) Women’s 76kg (Reetika Hooda): Qualification bouts till Semifinals
Repechage and medal bouts in all categories will be played a day after the quarterfinals. (With PTI Inputs)
