Indian team for World Wrestling Championships selected

Chandigarh, Sep 10 (UNI) Keeping in view the recent poor performance of the Indian wrestlers in the Greco-Roman style, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send entries only in lower weight categories in the World Championship to be held in Guanghou (China) from September 25 to 28.

The WFI is fielding an 18-member team in the tournament.

Giving this information here today, WFI president Dr Mahinder Singh Malik said that only four grapplers in Greco-Roman style were selected during the selection trials conducted at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala yesterday.

Seven wrestlers, including Olympian Palwinder Singh Cheema, were also selected in the freestyle competitions.

Sudesh Kumar (government nomiee), Dronacharya Sukhchain Singh Cheema, chief coach Jagminder, Safri Lal, Darshan Singh and three local wrestlers were amongst the selectors. Foreign coach Vladimir was also present.

Dr Malik said that all selected wrestlers would be subjected to dope test prior to the Indian team's departure for China.

The squad: Men: Freestyle: 55 kg: Vinod (Delhi), 60 kg: Yogeshwawr Dutt (Haryana); 66 kg: Sushil Kumar (Delhi); 75 kg: Somvir (Ch BSMSS, Nidani, Haryana), 84 kg: Sujit Mann (Haryana); 96 kg: Rohit Patel (MP); 120 kg: Palwinder Singh Cheema.

Greco-Roman: 55 kg: Mukesh Khatri (Delhi); 66 kg: Gurwinder Singh (Punjab); 60 kg: Jabal (Delhi) and 74 kg:Rajbir (Haryana).

Women (freestyle): 48 kg: Sumel (Delhi); 51 kg: Neha Rathi (Haryana); 55 kg: Geeta (Haryana); 59 kg: Alka Tomar (UP); 63 kg: Suman Kundu (Haryana); 67kg: Jyoti, and 72 kg: Sonika Kaliraman (Haryana).

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