Indian men’s Freestyle draw analysis for Zagreb Open Ranking Series

This year’s international wrestling season commences with the Zagreb Open Ranking Series, starting on 4 February in the Croatian capital of Zagreb.

The tournament is the first of four ranking series events scheduled to take place this year, with the other three being held in Albania, Mongolia, and Hungary. Wrestlers gain valuable ranking points by participating in these events, which help determine their world rankings and, in turn, the seedings for major competitions such as the Olympics, World Championships, and Continental Championships.

India has sent a full squad of 40 wrestlers, 16 in men’s freestyle, 14 in women’s wrestling, and 10 in Greco-Roman, with multiple athletes entered in some weight categories, something that has traditionally been rare for India.

Men’s Freestyle Draw Analysis

The freestyle squad will be led by Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat, who will compete in the 61 kg category instead of his usual 57 kg. He missed weight at the World Championships last year, which might be the reason for this temporary move up. The 61 kg field is among the weakest in the tournament, with just five registered athletes, and Aman is expected to cruise through the competition,which will take place in a nordic format.

U23 World Champion Sujeet Kalkal will compete in the 65 kg category, where he is set to face Khamzat Arsamerzouev of France in the quarterfinals; an opponent he beat comfortably at the Hungary Ranking Series last year. His biggest test is likely to come in the semifinals against 61 kg Asian champion Takara Suda of Japan.

A gold medal is well within reach for Sujeet if he manages to get past this hurdle.Vishal Kaliramana is the other Indian in the category. He has been placed in the slightly easier opposite half of the draw and will face Gamzatgadzsi Khalidov of Hungary in his opening bout. It would not be a surprise if he manages to reach the final from this half.

Atish Todkar and Ankush Chandram will compete in the 57 kg category. Both are coming off strong Pro Wrestling League seasons and will be eager to carry that momentum onto the international mat. Atish opens with a challenging bout against Roman Bravo Young. Ankush, meanwhile, impressed the most during the Pro Wrestling League, winning all his bouts except one against Aman Sehrawat.

However, an injury concern has raised a question mark over his performance. He is likely to face Olympic silver medalist Spencer Lee of the USA in the semifinals. A win may be far-fetched at this stage, but a strong showing can be expected from Ankush.

In the 86 kg category, Mukul Dahiya,who enjoyed a brilliant Pro Wrestling League season,faces a tough opening matchup against Parker Keckeisen of the USA, who recently pulled off a major upset over reigning world champion Zahid Valencia. The other Indian in the category, Sandeep Mann, will open against Zahid Valencia himself, making it likely that Indian contention in this weight class could end early.

Other wrestlers to watch out for include Chandermohan (74 kg), Amit (79 kg), and Vicky Hooda (97 kg). A win or two can be expected from these athletes, but overall expectations remain modest in the Indian context.

Men’s Freestyle Squad

57 kg: Atish Todkar, Ankush Chandram

61 kg: Aman Sehrawat

65 kg: Sujeet Kalkal, Vishal Kaliramana

70 kg: Abhimanyu

74 kg: Chandermohan, Deepak

79 kg: Amit

86 kg: Mukul Dahiya, Sandeep Mann

92 kg: Jointy Kumar

97 kg: Vicky Hooda, Deepak Chahal

125 kg: Dinesh Dhankar, Mahendra Babasaheb Gaikwad