Former Asian champion Amit Dhankar (74kg) on Thursday changed nationwide gold-medallist Sandeep Mann within the Indian wrestling staff for the upcoming World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, signalling the top of the street for veteran Sushil Kumar.
The match, to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria from May 6-9, would be the final qualifying occasion earlier than the Tokyo Games.
One of the nation’s most achieved athletes, Sushil gained a silver within the 2012 London Olympics, 4 years after a bronze in Beijing.
After not being thought of for choice, the 37-year-old Sushil instructed PTI, “To stay alive is more important at this stage. I have not spoken to WFI as yet, will speak to them.”
The staff was picked by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after a gathering of its choice committee, the federation mentioned in a press launch signed by its assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
Besides Dhankar, the others within the free type staff included Satyavrat Kadian (97kg) and Sumit (125kg).
“In free style, the committee has made replacement in 74 kg. Sandeep Mann, selected for Asian Qualifier and Asian Championship, didn”t produce passable efficiency. Hence, the committee determined to provide likelihood to Amit Dhankar who secured second place within the choice trials held on March 16,” the WFI mentioned within the launch.
The greco roman staff comprised Sachin Rana (60kg), Aashu (67kg), Gurpreet Singh (77 kg), Sunil (87 kg), Deepanshu (97 kg) and Naveen Kumar (130 kg).
“In greco roman style, the committee made replacements in 60 Kg. and 97 Kg. The wrestlers selected in these weight categories — Gyanendra and Ravi respectively gave poor performance in both competitions (Asian qualifier and Asian championship).
“Hence, the committee gave chance to Sachin Rana and Deepanshu who secured 2nd positions in the selection trials.”
Seema (50kg), Nisha (68kg) and Pooja (76kg) formed the Indian women’s team.
“The committee didn’t feel it appropriate to make any replacement in these weight categories as all these wrestlers secured medals either in Qualifying competition or Asian championship.”
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