Sushil Kumar, Divya Kakran to skip World Wrestling Championships

Owing to poor form, Sushil Kumar has decided to opt out of the World Wrestling Championships, scheduled to be held in Hungary from October 20. Divya Kakran also pulled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

Jitendra Kumar would replace Sushil in the 74kg category while Navjot Kaur would take Divya’s place in the 68kg category.

Kumar’s participation was initially under doubt after he faced a first-round exit at the recently concluded Asian Games in Indonesia. Kakran meanwhile had settled for a bronze medal in the 68kg category in the multi-sports competition.

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A source in the Wrestling Federation of India, as quoted by PTI said, “Both Sushil and Divya have conveyed that they should not be considered for the Worlds. Jitendra Kumar will now compete in the 74kg. We have decided to field Navjot Kaur in the 68kg in place of injured Divya.”

“Divya’s ankle problem had aggravated in Jakarta during the Asian Games. She is undergoing rehabilitation program at a camp in Bahalgarh,” the source also said.

Sakshi Malik will undergo trials and would have to battle it out for a place in the 62 kg with Sarita Mor.