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India's hopes of winning medals in women's wrestling at the Asian Games 2023 have suffered a major blow as two of their world championships' medallists, Anshu Malik and Sarita Mor, failed to qualify for the continental event. The WFI held a selection trial for the 2023 Asian Games from which both wrestlers were eliminated.
Also Read: Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat qualify for Asian Games without selection process
Anshu Malik, who won a silver medal in the 57kg category at the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, Norway, was expected to compete at the Asian Games. Sarita Mor, who clinched a bronze medal in the 59kg category at the same World Championships, also failed to make the cut. Mansi defeated Sarita Mor 9-6 in the 57kg weight category, while Mor defeated Anshu Malik 6-4 in the first round.
The trials will continue with the Greco-Roman wrestlers to be tested on Sunday, July 23. After Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat got direct entry into the Games, the parents of other wrestlers reached the stadium on Friday and protested. Many other top wrestlers have spoken out against their direct qualification and the matter is set to go to court.
The Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 will be a crucial event for Indian wrestlers as they will aim to improve their rankings and prepare for the upcoming World Championships and Asian Games.