At the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Indian wrestlers showcased their talent despite the absence of many top athletes. A total of 30 Indian wrestlers participated in the six-day event, with 10 each in men’s freestyle, men’s Greco-Roman, and women’s freestyle categories. The men’s freestyle wrestlers secured three medals, while the women’s team clinched an impressive six medals. However, the Greco-Roman wrestlers were unable to secure any medals.
In the men’s freestyle category, 19-year-old Udit, the U20 Asian champion, stood out by winning the silver medal in the 57kg weight division. Additionally, Abhimanyou (70kg) and Vicky (97kg) earned bronze medals in their respective weight categories on the opening day of the tournament. In the women’s wrestling division, 23-year-old Radhika secured the silver medal in the 68kg category, while Shivanee Pawar claimed a bronze medal in the 50kg category.
The following day saw Anju and Harshita adding to India’s medal tally by winning silver medals in the 53kg and 72kg categories, respectively. Manisha (62kg) and Antim (65kg) contributed to the bronze medal count for India in women’s wrestling. However, despite being a World Championships bronze medallist and two-time Asian champion, Sarita Mor faced disappointment in the women’s 57kg category, exiting the tournament without a medal after losing in the quarter-finals.
Compared to the previous edition of the continental championships in Amman, where Indian wrestlers clinched 14 medals (including one gold, three silvers, and 10 bronzes), this year’s performance showed a decrease in overall medal count. The absence of many top Indian wrestlers was attributed to their focus on the Asian Olympic Wrestling Qualifiers, which were scheduled to begin at the same venue shortly after the Asian Wrestling Championships.
Despite the challenges and notable absences, Indian wrestlers displayed resilience and determination, securing a respectable nine medals – four silvers and five bronzes – at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024. With only one Paris 2024 Olympic quota secured so far in wrestling, by Antim Panghal in the women’s 53kg category at the 2023 World Championships, Indian wrestlers continue to strive for excellence on the international stage.
Asian Wrestling Championships 2024: Indian medal winners
- Udit (men’s 57kg) – silver medal
- Radhika (women’s 68kg) – silver medal
- Anju (women’s 53kg) – silver medal
- Harshita (women’s 72kg) – silver medal
- Abhimanyou (men’s 70kg) – bronze medal
- Vicky (men’s 97kg) – bronze medal
- Shivanee Pawar (women’s 50kg) – bronze medal
- Antim (women’s 65kg) – bronze medal
- Manisha (women’s 62kg) – bronze medal
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