Phogat sisters disappoint, Sakshi Malik’s husband shines
: Bollywood movie Dangal fame Phogat sisters failed to shine at ₹1 crore wrestling tournament ‘Bharat Kesri Dangal’— touted to be largest and most rewarding tournament—that culminated in Bhiwani Friday night.
Eldest sister Geeta Phogat, who lost in her semi-final bout on Thursday, had to settle for the third spot on Friday after she won against Rajasthan’s Manu Tomar by 10-0 in the 68-kg category.
UP’s Divya Kakran stood first in this category after winning against Indian Railway’s Ritu Malik.
The younger Phogat sister Sangeeta Phogat, too, had to settle for the third spot in the 57-kg category as Delhi’s Pooja Gehlaut grabbed the top spot. Ritu Phogat, who entered the finals in 50-kg category, lost to Indian Railways’ Seema Kumari by 6-12.
Indian Railways’ Sarita Kumari and Kiran Kumari won the Kesri Dangal in 62-kg and 72-kg categories, respectively.
In men’s tournament, Indian Railways’ Satyawart Kadian, husband of Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, grabbed the top spot in heavy-weight 97-kg category after beating Haryana’s Satender Kumar by 9-3.
In the 86-kg category, Haryana’s Deepak Poonia beat Railways’ Pawan Kumar by 4-2. Haryana’s Amit Kumar, Railways’ Bajrang Poonia and UP’s Sandeep Kumar also won the Kesri Dangal titles in 74-kg, 65-kg and 57-kg categories.
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar distributed the cash prizes and momentos to all winners.
The CM gave ₹1 crore cheques to all winners, ₹50 lakh to first runner ups and ₹25 lakh to second runner ups in all categories.