New Delhi
A strong 30-member team led by Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and Asian Games gold medallist Bajrang Punia will represent India at the World Wrestling Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary from October 20 to 28.

The Wrestling Federation of India has selected 10 members each in free-style, greco-roman and women’s wrestling categories.
While Bajrang is India’s best bet in the freestyle category, Sakshi and Commonwealth Games gold Pooja Dhanda medallist will spearhead India’s campaign in the women’s wrestling.

The team will leave for Budapest tomorrow morning where they will have pre-tournament conditioning camp ahead of the main event.

Interestingly, Ritu is the only Phogat sister to feature in the squad as Geeta and Babita did not attend the trials while Asiad gold medallist Vinesh has been ruled out with an elbow injury.

Women’s team chief coach Kuldeep Malik is confident of a better show from his wards.

“We are fully prepared for the tournament. The girls have worked extensively on their technic after the Asian Games and we hope to better our medals tally this time around,” Kuldeep said.