Tokyo Olympics: Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat Look To Further Enhance Reputation Of Indian Wrestlers | Olympics News
With only days left for the Tokyo Olympics to get underway, athletes across the globe are looking to put the finishing touches to their preparations and head for the showpiece event. The Indian contingent is no different as 127 athletes will look to give it their all and bring glory to the country. The wrestlers in the contingent are undoubtedly in contention for medals at the Tokyo Games. Indian wrestling contingent will field seven wrestlers, headlined by a very strong Bajrang Punia and determined Vinesh Phogat.
The other five Indian wrestlers who have qualified for the showpiece event are Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Men 57kg), Deepak Punia (Men 86kg), Anshu Malik (Women 57kg), Sonam Malik (Women 62kg), and Seema Bisla (Women 50kg).
Sumit Malik was another Indian wrestler who had won an Olympic quota in the 125kg category but was suspended by world body UWW for failing a dope test.
With five medals at the Olympics, wrestling is India’s second-most successful sport at the summer Olympics after hockey. After a below-par performance in Rio 2016, which saw Sakshi Malik grabbing a bronze in the women’s 58 kg, the Indian wrestling contingent would be hoping for a better outing this time around with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia leading the pack.
World No.1 Vinesh Phogat has been in sublime form in the run-up to Tokyo 2020 as the star Indian wrestler won gold in March by winning the Matteo Pellicone event.
