Wrestling Olympic Trials: CWG gold medallist Naveen Malik makes early exit

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Wrestling Trials for Olympics 2024 saw its first upset in the men's trials when 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Naveen Malik was trumped by Yash Tushir 1-4 in the quarterfinals of the men's freestyle 74kg in Sonepat on Sunday (March 10).

The much-anticipated bout in the category came early as the duo earlier squared off in a closely-fought final at the National Wrestling Championships back in February.

This was first bout for Naveen Malik on the day as he was granted a bye in the first round while Yash defeated Sunny in the opening round.

The bout between Naveen and Yash saw the regining CWG champion take a lead following a penalty point through passivity. However, Yash grew aggressive as the first round progressed and took takedown points (2) and threatened to take more but end-of-the-round bell came to his rescue.

The second round continued from where it left as Yash Tushir looked like a man on mission and picked two further points through takedowns to take decisive lead.

Naveen Malik grappled hard to get back in the bout but Yash kept his defensive game solid to see out the remaining seconds on the clock.

At the time of reporting, another CWG gold medallist Deepak Punia made it to the semifinal as his opponent in quarters bout, Ashish, was injured in the first round

Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will be in action later in the day in his forte 65kg category against Ravinder.