Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya, who won medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have been knocked out of contention for a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics after losing their respective bouts at the wrestling selection trials in Sonepat, Haryana, on Sunday, March 10.
Punia won the bronze medal in the 65kg freestyle category in wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics, which was also his debut at the marquee event. Dahiya, meanwhile, created history by winning the silver medal in the 57kg category.
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In the past few months, Punia has been a vocal force in the stern protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. However, he was on the receiving end of a brutal 1-9 loss to Rohit Kumar in the men's 65kg freestyle category semi finals.
Punia wouldn't have even made his far had he not won on criteria against Ravinder (3-3) in the opening round. Punia would have lost the first fight outright if Ravinder had not given up a caution point during the fight. He had received training in Russia in order to be ready for the IOA ad hoc panel-organized trials.
Bajrang Punia avoids NADA
After being ousted, Punia walked out of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre fuming. Punia did not stay back for the third-fourth place battle, despite attempts by authorities of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to get a sample from him for a dope test.
Sujeet Kalakal, who secured his place in the Indian squad, will now aim to qualify for the Paris Games in the 65kg category.
Emerging star Aman Sehrawat eliminates Olympic medalist Ravi Dahiya
The men's 57kg event was quite competitive, with Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya and up-and-coming prospect Aman Sehrawat fighting for qualifying. Dahiya was defeated 13–14 by Aman in the opening bout.
Dahiya's aspirations were further dashed when he was eliminated from the competition after losing to Udit, the U20 Asian champion.
The selection trials' winners will be able to participate in the World and Asian Olympic Qualifiers. With Antim Panghal (women's 53kg category), India has only earned one quota for the Paris Olympics thus far.