Major upset in women’s team selection trials

The upsets in Lucknow today have all but ended the Tokyo 2020 dreams for the much fancied Pooja Dhanda and Sakshi Malik as new stars are all set to emerge on the horizon of Indian wrestling.

Anshu(57kg), Sonam Malik (62kg) and Nirmala (50kg) caused major upsets and will now represent India in upcoming Ranking tournament, Asian Championship and Asian Olympic Qualifier.

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games silver medalist Pooja was handed a 1-3 defeat by her Haryana State-mate Anshu Malik in the 57 kg quarterfinals. Anshu eventually went on to earn an India berth as she beat another Haryana wrestler Mansi in the finals. In other Semifinal, 2017 Asian Championship Silver medalist Sarita lost to Mansi Ahlwat. In final it was tough fight between Anshu and Mansi but it was Anshu Malik who emerged victorious.

Vinesh Phogat has already booked an Olympic quota in 53kg at World championship and will take part in ranking series and Asian championship.

18 year old Sonam stuns Rio Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik in 62kg semifinal and booked ticket for Olympic qualifiers. Sakshi who has been off color since the last few months still started off as favorite to qualify from 62kg category. The Railway girl was training in Colorado Springs since last 3 weeks in order to prepare not only for these trials but also the Asian championship and the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in China scheduled for the month of March.

Asian Games medalist Divya Kakran qualifies in 68kg category after beating national champion Anita Sheoran. While Nirmala won 50kg trail after beating Pinki in final. She also caused an upset after beating world number three Seema in Semifinal.

Here is full Indian women’s team:

50kg Nirmala Devi
53kg Vinesh Phogat
57kg Anshu Malik
62kg Sonam Malik
68kg Divya Kakran
76kg Kiran