Paris Olympics 2024: Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya, medalists from the Tokyo Games, faced disappointment on Sunday as they were knocked out of the Paris Olympics qualification contest. This occurred after they lost their respective matches in the selection trials for upcoming international tournaments.Punia, who has been vocal opposition against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, suffered 1-9 defeat in the mens freestyle 65kg semifinal against Rohit Kumar. This defeat followed a close win against Ravinder (3-3 on criteria) in the opening round. Rohit will now represent India at the Asian Championships.Punia had trained in Russia for these trials, which were organized by the IOA ad-hoc panel. Despite winning a case in the Delhi High Court questioning the authority of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to conduct trials, Punia left the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Center in disappointment after his elimination.Meanwhile, Sujeet Kalakal lost a case against the Olympian when he challenged his direct entry to the Asian Games 2023. Aman Sehrawat to represent India in Paris Olympics 2024In the mens 57kg category, Tokyo Games silver medalist Ravi Dahiya faced a tough battle against Aman Sehrawat. Despite their training at Chhatarsal Stadium, Dahiya lost the high-scoring match 13-14 to Aman. Aman, the Asian Games bronze medalist, showed his mettle by winning the closely contested match.With Dahiyas elimination, Aman will represent India at the Olympic Qualifiers in the 57kg category, bolstering Indias prospects. India has secured only one quota for the Paris Games through Antim Panghal in womens 53kg.Winners of Paris Olympics qualificationsOther wrestlers who emerged victorious in the trials include Jaideep (74kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Deepak Nehra (97kg), and Sumit Malik (125kg).The Indian team for the Asian Qualifiers includes Aman Sherawat (57kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), Jaideep (74kg), Deepak Punia (86kg), Deepak Nehra (97kg), and Sumit Malik (125kg).
