Olympic silver medallist and India's star wrestler Ravi Dahiya suffered a huge upset which cost him the Asian Games ticket. An unheralded Indian grappler Atish Todkar downed the Birmingham Commonwealth Games' gold medallist and in an action-packed 57 kg bout at the IG Stadium in the Asian Games trial on Sunday (July 23).
The Maharashtra-based Todkar's victory over has caused a stir in the Indian wrestling arena. Dahiya's exceptional skills and stamina was outclassed by Todkar's commendable resistance. Scoring even two points against a wrestler of Dahiya's repute is a task for grapplers. Todkar not only scored points against Dahiya but also pinned him to the mat.
Those familiar with Dahiya's wrestling prowess understand the enormity of scoring even two points against him, let alone anticipating a victory 'by fall'.
However, this particular Sunday proved to be different. Not only were points scored through impressive and awe-inspiring moves, but Dahiya also experienced a rare 'pin'.
Todkar was leading 20-8 when he pinned Dahiya's shoulders on the mat. The upset added another dent to injury-ridden Dahiya who has had a challenging year already. Dahiya has not competed this year after suffering an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injuries in his right knee.
Todkar displayed exceptional agility and swift moves in the match through and through to get the better of Dahiya.
Meanwhile, in the women’s section, world championships medallists Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik both failed to make the cut.
Sarita lost the semifinal to junior world championships bronze medallist Mansi Ahlawat, who later beat fellow junior wrestler Sito to win the division.
Elsewhere, Antim Panghal, the 2022 U-20 world champion, dominated the 53kg division before pinning Manju in the final. However, the 19-year-old will have to be a standby for Vinesh Phogat.
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