In a remarkable feat that underscores the dominance of Haryana in Indian wrestling, all six women wrestlers selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 hail from the state. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced the squad on Tuesday, which includes Vinesh Phogat (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), Sarita Mor (62kg), Sonam Malik (65kg), Divya Kakran (68kg), and Pooja Sihag (76kg).
Haryana's Wrestling Legacy
Haryana has long been a powerhouse in Indian wrestling, producing numerous Olympians and medalists. The state's rural culture, with its emphasis on physical strength and traditional wrestling (kusti), has been a breeding ground for talent. The six wrestlers selected for the Asian Games are a testament to the robust grassroots programs and coaching infrastructure in the state.
Individual Profiles
- Vinesh Phogat (53kg): A Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Asian Games champion, Phogat is one of India's most decorated wrestlers. She hails from Balali village in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district.
- Anshu Malik (57kg): The 20-year-old from Nidani village in Jind district won a silver medal at the 2021 World Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final.
- Sarita Mor (62kg): A former Asian champion, Mor comes from the Rohtak district and has consistently performed at the international level.
- Sonam Malik (65kg): The 19-year-old from Sonipat district won a bronze medal at the 2021 Asian Championships.
- Divya Kakran (68kg): Kakran, from Bawana village in Jhajjar district, is a two-time Asian Championships medalist.
- Pooja Sihag (76kg): The 22-year-old from Hisar district won a silver medal at the 2021 U23 World Championships.
Preparation and Expectations
The wrestlers are currently undergoing a rigorous training camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Sonipat. The Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 10 to 25, will be a crucial event for India's wrestling contingent. The country has high expectations, especially from Vinesh Phogat, who is aiming for her second Asian Games gold.
Haryana's dominance in women's wrestling is not new. In the 2018 Asian Games, all four women wrestlers who won medals for India were from Haryana. This trend continues to highlight the state's pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian wrestling.
