Individual World Cup Day 5 Preview: It’s finally time. India will finally field its strongest contingent amongst the three wrestling styles. The day five of the Individual Wrestling World Cup will mark the starting of the freestyle competitions with five weight categories – 57kg, 70kg, 74kg, 92kg, and 125kg.
In 57kg, 2019 Nur-Sultan world medallist Ravi Dahiya could get a chance to avenge his loss to world champion Zavur Uguev. The Indian wrestler had lost to his Russian counter-part 6-4 in the semifinals. A win in Serbia will mark him as the favourite in the light-weight category for the Tokyo Olympics.
India as fielded Naveen in the 70kg. He will be up against 2019 world bronze medallist Magomedmurad Gadzhiev.
However, it the 74kg weight category that is expected to draw most attention. The middle weight category will see the return of 2015 world medallist Narsingh Yadav. The Indian wrestler is making a comeback after a four-year doping ban.
It will be a grand stage for him to prove his mettle and a medal here would make him a favourite for the No.1 spot in the most competitive weight category in India – it is where two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar is eyeing his last hurrah. His biggest competitor will be world silver medallist Frank Chamizo.
India has not sent any wrestler in the 92kg. As for 125kg, it has sent Sumit Malik.
Full Schedule here:
3:30 PM IST – 6:30 PM IST: Qualification Rounds (FS – 57, 70, 74, 92, 125kg)
3:30 PM IST – 6:30 PM IST: Repechage (WW – 57, 59, 65, 68, 76kg)
9:15 PM IST – 10:15 PM: Semi-finals (FS – 57, 70, 74, 92, 125kg)
10:30 PM IST – 1:30 AM IST: Finals (WW – 57, 59, 65, 68, 76kg)