Wrestling News: After football, cricket and UFC, now wrestling is also prepared to usher back into people’s life. United World Wrestling (UWW) had earlier, announced that it is planning to resume competitions from October. Moreover, it is also planning to host the world championships this year in Serbia in December. All these competitions will be a build-up to the delayed Tokyo Olympics. So WrestlingTV brings you 10 matches every wrestling fan should watch out for in 2021.
Sonam vs Sakshi Malik
It is probably the biggest talking point in the Indian wrestling circuit. Sonam an 18-year-old wrestler when defeated Sakshi Malik, India’s first women wrestler to win an Olympic medal, it was at first believed to be a fluke. But when the youngster did it again in less than a month, it was enough to silence the critics. Ever since then, Sakshi has been training hard not just physically but mentally as well only to solve the enigma that is Sonam. Now, with the Tokyo Olympics delayed to 2021, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced to hold trials next year. It means the fans are in for another clash between the two.
Also Read: WFI ready to give junior wrestlers chance at national trials next year ahead of Tokyo Olympics
Anshu vs Pooja Dhanda
Just like Sonam, Anshu too marked her arrival in the senior team by thrashing an Indian heavyweight, world medallist Pooja Dhanda. Since then, the latter has been waiting for an opportunity to bid her chances for the 57kg spot in India’s Tokyo Olympic side. It seems her wait is now over and she can now prove her mettle ahead of the summer games.
Narsingh vs Sushil Kumar
After the infamous tussle between the two outside the wrestling mat, both the wrestlers are now ready to make a comeback. While Narsingh will be marking his comeback after serving a four-year ban, Sushil Kumar will return to action after a successful recovery from injury. Both the wrestlers will compete for the 74kg spot which is currently held by Jitender.
Pooja Gehlot vs Nirmala Devi
The two wrestlers have never competed against each other but have kept a close eye on each other’s progress. While Nirmala will bank on her experience, Pooja Gehlot will rely on her endurance and sharp reflexes. If the battle takes place, it will in the 50kg women’s wrestling.
Jordan Burroughs vs Kyle Dake
JB has been in the 74kg for the past 10 years while Kyle Dake has recently moved to this weight class. Both the wrestlers have won multiple world championships and will now battle-it-out for the Olympic spot in Team USA.
Bajrang Punia vs Takuto Otoguro
Bajrang might not have any major opponent in India in 65kg but outside the country, there are plentiful of them especially Japan’s Takuto Otoguro. The duo has met on two occasions in which Bajrang has lost both times. He would like to make it three losses in a row and therefore will eye revenge if they meet at Tokyo Olympics.
Erica Weibe vs Adeline Gray
Greatest USA women wrestler vs best Canada wrestler — it no doubt the fight between two champions to become the strongest women on the planet.
Vinesh Phogat vs Mayu Mukaida
Mukaida is one mystery which has led Vinesh Phogat to have sleepless nights. The duo has met thrice on all three occasions, the Japanese wrestler has got the better of the Indian. But Vinesh has taken something positive from each fight especially their match at Asian Championship and would now like to capitalize on it.
Taha Akhgul vs Geno Petriashvili
Taha Akhgul is considered the best active wrestler alongside Abdulrashid Sadulaev. But his biggest challenge to continuing his dominance in the 125kg weight has been Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili. They have met thrice out of which Taha has won just once. Come Tokyo Games, the Turkish wrestler will now have a chance to level the score.
J’den Cox vs Kyle Snyder
It is probably the most talked-about fight in the USA wrestling circuit. Both the wrestlers have tasted Olympic glory and will now be competing for the 97kg spot. While Snyder has been competing in this weight class for over a decade, Cox will be new to the division