Wrestling trials explained: Do Tokyo medallists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya still have a chance to qualify for Paris Olympics?
The Tokyo Olympic medallists for Indian wrestling – Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya – didn’t win the national trials in Sonipat and hence won’t be representing the country at the Asian Olympic trials in Kyrgyzstan (April 19-21) and the World Olympic trials in Turkey (May 9-12). Do the two have a chance to qualify for the Olympics? Here’s an explainer:
Tokyo bronze medallist Punia lost to Rohit in the semifinals of the 65 kg category at the national trials on Sunday. However, Punia gave up the chance to finish in the top-four of the trials by not appearing in the placings bout against Vishal Kaliraman. When the officials made the third and final call, Kaliraman was also not on the mat.
However, in the official results sheet Kaliraman was placed fourth. “Officials claimed they were informed...