Indian Greco-Roman Wrestlers Exit Early in Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul

Indian Greco-roman grapplers faced disappointment on the opening day of the World Olympic Games Qualifiers, as all six wrestlers failed to advance past the preliminary rounds in their respective weight categories.

Sumit, competing in the 60kg category, suffered a defeat to Romanian opponent Razvan Arnaut on technical superiority with a score of 10-0. Ashu, in the 67kg category, managed to overcome his Norwegian rival Haavard Joergensen 5-4, but ultimately lost 10-0 to Hungarian Krisztina Vancza.

Vikas, wrestling in the 77kg category, secured a victory against Riccardo Abbrescia of Italy before falling to Georgia’s Luri Lomadze 8-0 on technical superiority in the pre-quarterfinal bout. Lomadze dominated the match with a series of well-executed moves, ultimately ending the contest with a takedown.

Sunil Kumar, competing in the 87kg category, defeated Jose Andres Vargas 3-1 but was unable to secure a win in the pre-quarters, losing to Azerbaijan’s Rafig Huseynov 4-3 in a closely contested match that saw Rafig clinch victory in the final seconds.

Nitesh, in the 97kg category, was eliminated in the qualification round after a loss to Poland’s Tadeusz Michalik by fall. Naveen, wrestling in the 130kg category, also bowed out in the qualification round, losing to Austria’s Daniel Gastl on points.

With the focus now shifting to freestyle wrestling, Indian grapplers will be looking to make a stronger impact in the upcoming matches to secure a spot in the Tokyo Olympics.