India is set to launch its wrestling campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a blend of seasoned wrestlers and promising newcomers. The journey begins on Monday at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris, marking the country’s 21st appearance in the wrestling arena at the Games.
The Indian contingent will feature six wrestlers, with Aman Sehrawat being the sole male competitor in the 57kg freestyle category. At just 20 years old, Sehrawat, an Asian Champion and Asian Games Bronze Medallist, is poised to be a significant asset for India, stepping into the shoes of Ravi Kumar Dahiya, who did not qualify.
In the women’s division, all eyes will be on Vinesh Phogat, competing in the 50kg category. Phogat, a two-time Olympian with an impressive resume that includes two World Championships, three CWG medals, and eight Asian Championships titles, faces a critical opportunity to solidify her Olympic legacy after a series of setbacks and controversies in previous Games.
Making their Olympic debuts are Anshu Malik (57kg), Reetika Hooda (76kg), and Nisha Dahiya (68kg). Malik, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Hooda, the U-23 World Champion, and Dahiya, a silver medallist at the Asian Championships, bring fresh hope and talent to the team. The stage is set for a thrilling start to India’s wrestling journey in Paris, with high expectations and exciting potential from this diverse group of athletes.