NEW DELHI, Apr 2: Olympian Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari will spearhead the Indian women’s challenge at the Asian Wrestling Championship to be held here from April 18 to 22.
Geeta, the 2012 World Championship bronze medallist, will be one of the top contenders in the 59-kg category.
The 24-year-old, who claimed the bronze medal at last year’s Asian Championship, will be aiming for a different colour medal this time around.
“The Asian Championship will be a good test for us as some of the best wrestling nations will be participating here. The championship will also provide me a good opportunity to access my game before the World championship later this year,” said Geeta.
Another bronze medallist at the 2012 World Championship, Babita will also be looking for a podium finish in the 55-kg category.
The 23-year-old, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Dave Schultz Memorial International tournament, will look to make amends in the continental championship at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium.
The team was selected based on the trials held at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, on April 2.
Chief national coach, O P Yadav believes the tournament will be an ideal opportunity for Indian women to excel with home advantage providing a big boost to their chances.
“Indian women have been performing consistently in the world state and the Asian championship will play a significant role in the growth of the sport in India. The team is almost the same as the one which partook in the 2013 World Cup in Mongolia; it is an experienced lot of wrestlers that has come through the trials,” he said.
Strong wrestling nations including China, Japan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia have already confirmed their entries for the event. (PTI)
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