Wrestlers Sonam Malik, Anshu Malik book Tokyo Olympic berth, door shut on Sakshi Malik

18-year-old wrestler Sonam Malik registered a thrilling come-from-behind win to enter the final of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in the 62kg category. Also qualifying for the 2020 Games on Saturday was 19-year-old Anshu Malik, who entered the final of 57kg category at the qualifying event to seal a berth.

Anshu and Sonam, who are making a steady transition from the junior to the senior circuit, joined senior pro Vinesh Phogat (53kg) in making the Olympics cut. India now have three women wrestlers, who will now fight for glory at the Summer Games. Vinesh had qualified through the 2019 World Championship.

Overall, India now have six wrestlers who have qualified for the upcoming Games. Among men, Bajrang Punia (65kg), Ravi Dahiya (57kg) and Deepak Punia (86kg) have qualified in the men’s freestyle event.