Tokyo Olympics Wrestling: Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia through to quarterfinals, Anshu Malik loses opening bout to World no.3


Tokyo Olympics Wrestling: Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia through to quarterfinals, Anshu Malik loses opening bout to World no.3

Deepak Punia

Indian grapplers Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia have sealed a place in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics. On the other hand, budding Indian wrestler Anshu Malik lost her maiden Olympic bout. The 19-year-old went up against the European champion Iryna Kurachkina.

ADVERTISEMENT

Both Ravi and Deepak put up dominant shows to clinch the bout via technical superiority. Given the draws, the Indian male wrestlers should cruise through to the semifinals. Ravi is set to go toe to toe with Georgi Vangelov while Deepak will be facing Lin Zushen in the quarterfinals.

Anshu Malik notches up maiden Olympic points at Tokyo Olympics

Anshu Malik at tokyo olympics
Anshu

Anshu was positive from the get-go, the Belarusian’s experience proved to be the difference between the two. She was the first to concede a point as she was put on a clock due to passivity. Kurachkina then scored a point with a push out to double her lead. As the young Indian grappler gave away to the nerves of the big stage, the World number 3 finished the first three-minute period with a 4-0 lead.

Despite trailing, Anshu started off the second round with intent. The Indian grappler took two quick points with push-outs and even went for a takedown. But that was when all went wrong for her as Kurachkina reversed it to score two more points. The Belarusian took the bout by 8-2 but Anshu showed the talent she harbors.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was her inexperience that led to her undoing. Nonetheless, Anshu is a bright prospect for India and she showed glimpses of her usual self on her Olympic debut.

Also Read | Tokyo Games Wrestling Live Stream and schedule for 4th August