Deepak Punia's Unexpected Move to 97kg Secures Asian Games Spot
Deepak Punia successfully transitioned to the 97kg category, earning a spot on India's Asian Games wrestling squad. Initially unplanned, this shift arose due to an injury. Meanwhile, Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal retained their spots in the freestyle team after strong performances in the selection trials.
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In a surprising turn of events, Deepak Punia made a successful leap to the 97kg weight class, securing his position on the Indian team for the Asian Games. His decision came after an injury led him away from his usual 86kg category, proving beneficial as he comfortably faced more formidable opponents.
The recent trials witnessed Punia displaying commendable skill despite the last-minute shift, which followed his victory in the Open Ranking Series event at 92kg. His path to victory included decisive wins over competitors like Jointy Kumar and Vicky, showcasing his readiness for this new weight division. Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal also cemented their team spots in their respective categories.
Elsewhere in the trials, notable outcomes included Sagar Jaglan's surprise triumph in the 74kg category, and similarly, Rajat Rahul and Mukul Dahiya made their mark winning the 125kg and 86kg categories respectively. In the Greco-Roman segment, several wrestlers including Sunil and Sumit emerged victoriously, securing their places in India's contingent.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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