lacking their biggest and most bankable stars might be considered disastrous for any team, but not so the Indian wrestling squad for the Senior Asian Championships that get rolling on Thursday.
Despite the absence of Olympic medalists Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, there is a vibrant sense of positivity and self-confidence among the Indian wrestlers, some of whom are competing at such a big stage for the first time. In fact, the Indian coaching staff has is not perturbed at the absence of the star duo have taken it as an opportunity to give some of the younger talents some valuable experience of competing at a big stage.
Enamoured by the success of london Games, the Indian contingent, led by Narsingh Yadav, will look to finish with a rich medal haul in front of the home crowd in the April 18-22 championship at the K D Jadhav Wrestling Stadium. Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Narsingh Yadav (84kg) is one of the most experienced in the squad. He used to compete in the 74kg category but has moved up a division since his first round exit at the london Olympics last year. This will be his first major event in the new weight division and it will be interesting to see how he measures up against bigger and stronger opponents.
Amit Kumar (55kg) would like to better his bronze medal-winning effort in the last edition. Kumar, who had reached the quarterfinals at the london Olympics, has been touted as India’s best future bet at the international competitions.
In the 60kg category, Yogeshwar has been replaced by Bajrang while Amit Dhankar will substitute Sushil in the 66 kg. Deepak (74kg) and Hitender (120kg) will be making their Indian debuts. Parvesh (96kg) is the oldest in the squad at 29 years and age could be a factor that could work against the current national champion.
The Indian eves will be spearheaded by Geeta Phogat, who is coming off an impressive showing at the senior women’s Senior Wrestling World Cup in Mongolia last month. Sharing the burden of expectations from local fans would be her younger sister Babita, who will be competing in the 55kg category. The sisters had won bronze medals in the World Championships in Canada last year.
Though Greco Roman wrestling is not India’s strength, the wrestlers are more than willing to give it their best shot. Naveen (120kg) who is also stepping onto the international stage for the first time, summed up the mood in the Indian camp quite aptly. “We are going for medals in every category,” the burly youngster told The Pioneer. “Koi bhi opponent ho, hum ladne ko taiyar hai.”