Women-Dominated Wrestling Team ‘Dangal Ready’ at Paris Olympics 2024.

July 26, 2024 – Paris, France

India’s wrestling contingent for the Paris Olympics 2024 is set to make history with a women-dominated team. Out of the six wrestlers representing the country, five are women, led by the formidable Vinesh Phogat. This marks a significant shift from previous editions of the Games, where men wrestlers primarily brought home the medals.

The wrestlers endured a tumultuous year-and-a-half, launching protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment. Despite these challenges, the team secured their spots at the Olympics, ready to focus on their performance on the mat.

The Indian wrestling team for Paris 2024 includes:

Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57kg)
Vinesh Phogat (women’s 50kg)
Antim Panghal (women’s 53kg)
Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg)
Nisha (women’s 68kg)
Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg)
Vinesh Phogat, a leading figure in the protests, seeks redemption after a challenging journey. With a knee surgery and weight cut to 50kg, she is determined to bring home an Olympic medal.

Antim Panghal, seeded fourth in the 53kg category, is poised for a strong performance, potentially facing Japan’s Akari Fujinami in the finals. Reetika Hooda, debuting in the 76kg category, has already made history by qualifying in the heavyweight division.

The lone male wrestler, Aman Sehrawat, 2023 Asian champion and 2022 Under-23 world champion, is also prepared for a tough competition, potentially facing Rio 2016 silver medallist Rei Higuchi or 2023 World Championships bronze medallist Arsen Harutyunyan.

The wrestling events at the Paris 2024 Olympics will begin on August 5. India pins its hopes on this resilient and determined team to continue its legacy of Olympic success in wrestling.