Nisha Dahiya secured India’s fifth quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics at the recently concluded World Olympic Wrestling Qualifiers in Istanbul, Turkey. Alongside her, Aman Sehrawat contributed to India’s tally, concluding the event with a total of six quotas in wrestling.
The 2024 World Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament was the last qualifying tournament for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The event was held from 9 to 12 May 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey. 2024 World Wrestling Olympic Qualifying Tournament has three quota places per weight category for the two highest-ranked wrestlers and the winner of wrestling between the two bronze medalists.
World Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament, Istanbul, Turkey
The Istanbul meet marked the final opportunity for wrestlers to secure berths for the Paris Olympics. Despite challenges faced by their compatriots Sujeet Kalkal and Jaideep Ahlawat, who narrowly missed out on bronze medal matches, Dahiya’s stellar performance shone through, clinching a crucial quota.
Kalkal, competing in the 65kg category, showcased remarkable resilience, reaching the semi-finals before being edged out by Tomor-Ochiryn Tulga of Mongolia. Despite an impressive showing, Kalkal fell short in the bronze medal match against USA’s Zain Retherford.
Similarly, Ahlawat’s journey saw moments of brilliance, particularly his dominant victory over Arslan Amanmyradov of Turkmenistan in the repechage. However, a narrow defeat against Soner Demirtas of Turkey in the bronze medal match denied him a coveted quota.
A total of 14 Indian wrestlers participated in the Istanbul meet from May 9 to 12, each displaying exceptional skill and determination. Sehrawat’s triumph in the men’s 57kg category, securing India’s first Paris 2024 quota in men’s freestyle wrestling, added to the nation’s pride.
Despite the absence of notable wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar Dahiya, and Deepak Punia, who have previously brought glory to the nation, the Indian contingent showcased immense potential and determination on the global stage.
Dahiya’s achievement not only adds to India’s Olympic prospects but also underscores the depth of talent within the country’s wrestling fraternity. As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics begins, Indian wrestlers continue to train rigorously, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the grandest stage of them all.
India will have six wrestlers in its contingent in Paris with five quotas coming through women. Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) qualified for Paris Games at different qualifying events. – Source uww.com
