The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced a full-strength 30-member squad for the upcoming U23 Asian Championships, set to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from June 10 to 14. The team is led by several top national champions, including Tokyo Olympian Sonam Malik and Asian medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, who will spearhead India's challenge in the continental event.
Strong Contingent for Men's and Women's Categories
The squad features 15 male and 15 female wrestlers across various weight categories. In the men's freestyle division, national champions like Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Bajrang Punia's protege, and Deepak Punia (86kg) will be key contenders. The women's team includes experienced grapplers such as Anshu Malik (57kg) and Sarita Mor (59kg), both of whom have medaled at senior Asian Championships.
Coaching and Support Staff
The WFI has appointed a dedicated coaching staff, including foreign expert Andrey Karpov, to prepare the athletes. The federation aims to provide the best possible training and support to ensure a strong performance. The team will undergo a training camp in Sonipat before departing for Kyrgyzstan.
Aiming for Top Honors
India has a strong track record in age-group wrestling, having topped the medal tally at the U20 Asian Championships earlier this year. The U23 squad is expected to continue this momentum. WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh expressed confidence in the team's ability to bring home multiple medals.
Key Athletes to Watch
- Aman Sehrawat: The reigning U20 world champion in 57kg freestyle, he is a medal favorite.
- Sonam Malik: The 62kg wrestler aims to bounce back after a disappointing Olympic campaign.
- Ravi Kumar Dahiya: The Olympic silver medalist will compete in 61kg, a new weight class for him.
The championships will serve as a crucial platform for young wrestlers to gain international exposure and stake a claim for future senior team spots.
