Grapplers Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya qualify for India's World Championship squad

India's ace wrestler Bajrang Punia showcased glimpses of his vintage self in the 65kg trials today for World Championships slated to be held in September. In the 57kg category, Ravi Kumar Dahiya displayed great of work on the mat as he punched his way into the squad for World Championships. The reigning national champion, Harphul Singh began in stupendous fashion but could not sustain the momentum as he suffered a knee injury while resisting a takedown almost a minute into the second period. Punia was leading 7-0 when the bout had to be stopped.

"If the bout had lasted for full six minutes, it would have been good for me as well as the fans who came to watch us wrestle. It feels bad when the bout has to end like that. When a wrestler suffers an injury, it really pegs him back. All of us work hard, I feel bad for him." 

In other bouts of the day, Ravi Kumar Dahiya outclassed Rahul 12-2 in the final bout of 57kg category to make it to the World Championship squad. The men's trials witnessed fierce competition among wrestlers from different categories with their teammates egging them from the sidelines. "There will be stiff competition at the Worlds. Asia is a powerhouse of wrestling. You have tough wrestlers from Japan, Iran, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. I am training hard and hopefully, I will have good result," said the 22-year old from Haryana. The 86kg category also featured just two grapplers with Deepak Punia putting up a dominating stand 5-0 against Pawan. The 20-year-old Deepak, who trains at Chattrasal with Virender, has considerable international exposure but he will mark his first senior World Championship appearance. In the 125 kg category bout, Sumit Malik beat Satinder Malik 3-0. Winners from all the categories will now advance into World Wrestling Championships. The trials for the 74kg category, in which India's ace wrestler Sushil Kumar competes, is scheduled to be held next month, since both Jitender Kumar and Praveen Kumar are injured at the moment.