World’s best wrestlers will be in action in the upcoming World Wrestling Championships 2023. The star-studded tournament is set to get underway at Belgrade from 16th September, Saturday. The event hold an important significance as Olympic spots are up for grabs for the medallists.
A 30 member Indian wrestling team is ready to take on the world’s best in the tournament. Youngsters Aman Sehrawat and Antim Panghal will lead the nation’s challenge. 19-year old Aman Sehrawat will be making his debut in the senior World Championships. He will lead the Men’s team and will feature in the 57kg event. Another teenager in Antim Panghal is gearing up to take on the world after winning back-to-back U-20 titles.
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India’s challenge
India will be participating in the World Championships this time under a neutral flag. The Wrestling Federation of Indian has been suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) for its failure to hold the elections on time.
India’s star wresters Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Deepak Punia will also miss the upcoming World Championships. While Vinesh Phogat has suffered an injury, Bajrang and Deepak have decided to skip the event. They have opted to train abroad instead and will return to action at the Asian Games.
Men’s Freestyle – Aman Sehrawat headline action
In the absence of Bajrang and Deepak, Aman Sehrawat will lead Indian Men’s challenge in the upcoming tournament. The 19-year old will be in action in his maiden senior World Championships. Last year he created history by becoming the first-ever Indian to win gold medal in U-23 World Championships.
He also immediately made an impact in the senior’s circuit by winning the Asian Championships gold medal earlier this year. He is now eyeing a medal in the World stage.
Naveen Malik, who won the gold medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games is also another notable wrestler in the squad. The 20-year old will feature in the 74kg category.
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Antim Panghal leads Women’s challenge
After dominating in the junior levels, Antim Panghal now has the opportunity to shine in the bigger stage. The teenager will be in action in the Women’s 53kg category. Sarita Mor, who won the bronze medal in the 2021 World Championships is also in the squad. She will be representing the country in the 57kg weight category.
Asian Champion and Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist Divya Kakran also earned her place in the team. The 25-year old is eyeing for her first World Championship medal and she will feature in the 76kg category.
World Wrestling Championships – India Squad
Men’s Freestyle: Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Akash Dahiya (61kg), Anuj Kumar (65kg), Abhimanyou (70kg), Naveen (74kg), Sachin More (79kg), Sandeep Singh (86kg), Pruthviraj Patil (92kg), Sahil (97kg), Sumit Malik (125kg).
Greco-Roman Style: Ajay (55kg); Manish (60kg); Vikram (63kg); Vinayak (67kg); Ankit Gulia (72kg); Gurpreet Singh (77kg); Sajan (82kg); Manoj Kumar (87kg); Sailesh (97kg); Mehar Singh (130kg).
Women’s wrestling: Neelam (50kg); Antim (53kg); Neha (55kg); Sarita Mor (57kg); Anjali (59kg); Manisha (62kg); Antim (65kg); Priyanka (68kg); Jyoti Berwal (72kg); Divya Kakran (76kg).
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World Wrestling Championships Schedule
16 September – Men’s Freestyle
Qualification rounds & Semifinals for 61-70-86-125 kg
17 September – Men’s Freestyle
Qualification rounds & Semifinals for – 79-92-57-74 kg
Repechage & Final – 61-70-86-125 kg
18 September
Men’s Freestyle
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 65-97 kg
Repechage & Final – 79-92-57-74 kg
Women’s Wrestling
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 55-59kg
19 September
Men’s Freestyle
Repechage & Final – 65-97 kg
Women’s Wrestling
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 65-50-57-76kg
Repechage & Finals – 55-59kg
20th September
Women’s Wrestling
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 72-53-62-68 kg
Repechage & Finals – 65-50-57-76kg
21 September
Greco Roman
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 55-82-77-130 kg
Women’s Wrestling
Repechage & Finals – 72-53-62-68 kg
22 September
Greco Roman
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 72-60-97 kg
Repechage & Finals – 55-82-77-130 kg
23 September
Greco Roman
Qualification rounds & Semifinal – 63-67-87 kg
Repechage & Finals – 72-60-97 kg
24 September
Repechage & Finals – 63-67-87 kg
Where to watch World Wrestling Championships LIVE Streaming
The LIVE streaming of the World Wrestling Championship can be watched on the official website of the United World Wrestling.
Editors pick
