After boxers made their mark in the World Championship, it is now the turn of wrestlers to continue with the Beijing Olympics dream run at the World Championship in Herning, Denmark, from September 21 to 27.
After a wonderful show in the Asian Championship and the German Grand Prix, the Indian men’s team is confident about its prospects in the worlds.
“For the last couple of months, we are preparing hard for the World Championships. Hopefully, this time, we will return with the medal,” Beijing Olympics bronze medalist Sushil Kumar said.
Six wrestlers, including Sushil Kumar, comprise the free style team. In the Greco Roman section, India is fielding five wrestlers. The women’s team comprises six wrestlers.
Athens Olympian Ramesh Bhuria, who has a cadet and juniors’ world title in his kitty, had a wonderful run this year. He won medals in both the Asian Championship and German Grand Prix. “Last year, I couldn’t qualify for the Beijing Olympics because of an injury. But this time, I had good training sessions. If all goes well, this time the Indian team will surely win medals,” Ramesh enthused.
Last time, the Indian men’s free style wrestler won the world championship medal in Delhi in 1967, when Bishambar Singh won the silver medal. Udey Chand won the bronze in the 1961 Worlds.
{{/usCountry}}Last time, the Indian men’s free style wrestler won the world championship medal in Delhi in 1967, when Bishambar Singh won the silver medal. Udey Chand won the bronze in the 1961 Worlds.
{{/usCountry}}In the women’s section, Alka Tomar won the lone medal for the country in the worlds. She won bronze in 2006.
“Though Indian women failed to qualify for the Olympics, they have a decent outing in the last couple of years.
“Alka Tomar won the bronze medal in the 2006 worlds and in the same year Geetika Jhakhar won silver in the 2006 Doha Asian Games.”