Sakshi loses to Japanese wrestler, settles for silver
There were huge expectations from Rio Olympic bronze-medallist Sakshi Malik at the Asian Wrestling Championships here. But the Indian wrestler fumbled at the final hurdle against Olympic champion Risako Kawai to settle for silver in women’s 60kg category.
The Indian lacked aggression and was outplayed in two minutes 44 seconds, losing 10-0.
The Japanese wrestler raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening 90 seconds. With another good move, she ended the Indian’s dream of winning gold. Sakshi admitted she wasn’t prepared for the meet. The long break after Rio Games perhaps had its impact, she said. But she was hopeful of making amends in the Worlds in August.
“I have enough time to prepare for the global meet,’’ she said.
Sakshi had married Satyawart Kadian in the first week of April and though she joined the national camp within a fortnight of her marriage, she struggled to keep her weight in check. Initially, she was supposed to contest in 58kg but had to later switch to 60kg.
India’s Vinesh Phogat, who returned from injury she sustained at the Rio Games, also settled for silver. She lost to Sae Nanjo of Japan 4-6 in 55kg final.
Divya Kakran too bagged silver, losing to Japanese Sara Dosha 8-0 in 69kg final. Earlier, Ritu Phogat bagged bronze in 48kg category after her opponent Yanan Sun gave a walkover.
Two Sri Lankan grapplers — Shriyanthika Niroshani (48kg) and Anusha Kumari Wijesinghe (53kg) — missed their qualification round in the morning due to official goof-up. The two were waiting at the team hotel for official transport, which didn’t arrive. They were unable to reach the venue in time for their respective bouts.
Sri Lanka official Jagath Piyaratna said he will complain to the Asian body. “Someone should take responsibility,’’ he said.