India’s promising World U20 medallist, Priya Malik (competing in the 76kg category), has secured an opportunity to clinch a bronze medal at the ongoing World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb. Her journey in the competition continues after a hard-fought day on Tuesday.
Initially, Malik faced a tough challenge, suffering a 2-4 defeat against Ecuador’s formidable Genesis Reasco. However, her hopes for a medal were reignited when Reasco advanced to the final, thereby pulling Malik into the repechage bracket.
Among other Indian participants, Vaishnavi Patil (65kg) showcased her skill by defeating Elma Zeidlere of Latvia with a 3-1 scoreline. Unfortunately, her run ended in the quarterfinals after being pinned by Mongolia’s Enkhjin Tuvshinjargal.
Ankush (50kg) narrowly missed out, losing a close 5-6 bout to Natalia Varanika. World U20 champion Tapsya Gahlawat (57kg) also faced defeat, going down 2-4 against Bertha Chavez from Mexico.
In the men’s repechage rounds, Sujeet Kalkal (65kg) was overcome 7-5 by Real Woods of the USA, while Vicky (97kg) was defeated 4-0 by Bulgaria’s Akhmed Magamaev, concluding their bids for a bronze medal.