New Delhi: India grapplers have so far collected a massive 102 medals, which includes 43 gold, in the Commonwealth Games. And this time too, wrestling could be the strongest source of medals for India when their Commonwealth Games (CWG 2022) campaign begins on August 5 in Birmingham.
Expectations will be high from star players -- Olympic silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Olympic bronze winners Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.
Talking about the history, wrestling made its debut in the inaugural CWG in 1930. The game featured for the 19th time and the third time within England specifically.
In the 2018 CWG at Australia's Gold Coast, India had finished at the top in the wrestling tally with 12 medals, including five gold. In 2014, India was second behind Canada.
India's chances are really high in Birmingham, considering the level of competition. This acts as a platform for athletes to hone their skills ahead of major tournaments like Asiad and Olympics.
Some of the star Indian wrestlers, especially women (Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat) are going through tough times and this could be an ideal opportunity for them to regain form and confidence.
Vinesh was one of the most dominant forces in the wrestling world before the Tokyo Games. But her shocking medal-less exit from the Japanese capital stunned the entire nation. She has struggled a lot since then.
Similarly, the CWG will be crucial for Sakshi, whose struggles seemed to be never-ending until she found her lost mojo back after sessions with a psychologist.
She managed to beat Sonam Malik in the CWG trials in the semifinals after losing four straight bouts to the youngster. The 29-year-old has not got any major results since her Rio Olympic bronze medal winning feat.
In the men's division, Tokyo Games silver medallist Ravi Dahiya (57 kg) is one of India's biggest medal prospects. The wrestling community believes that Ravi is a "sure shot" gold winner, considering the form he is in.
Even it should not be a tough task for Bajrang Punia (65 kg) and Deepak Punia (86 kg) as well. For Naveen (74 kg), Deepak (97 kg) and Mohit Grewal (125 kg) also, it is a good opportunity to get a big-event medal.
The Indian lineup:
Men's Freestyle: Ravi Kumar Dahiya (57 kg), Bajrang Punia (65 kg), Naveen (74 kg), Deepak Punia (86 kg), Deepak (97 kg) and Mohit Grewal (125 kg).
Women's Team: Pooja Gehlot (50 kg), Vinesh Phogat (53 kg) Anshu Malik (57 kg), Sakshi Malik (62 kg), Divya Kakran (68 kg) and Pooja Sihag (76 kg).—IANS