NEW DELHI: Olympic medal-winning wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt on Friday said he is confident about the Indian wrestling contingent winning 8-9 gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Birmingham, starting July 28.
Ravi Dahiya (57 kg), Bajrang Punia (65 kg), Naveen (74 kg), Deepak Punia (86 kg), Deepak (97 kg) and Mohit Dahiya (125 kg) were selected during the trials to represent the country at the event.
In the women's category, Pooja Gehlot (50 kg), Vinesh Phogat (53 kg), Anshu Malik (57 kg), Sakshi Malik (62 kg), Divya Kakran (68 kg) and Pooja Dhanda (76 kg) have been selected for the quadrennial event.
"For wrestling, Commonwealth Games is important. I expect Indian wrestlers to win 8-9 gold medals in CWG 2022. Like in the Olympics, (where) we got 2 out of 7 medals from wrestling, I want India to win maximum gold medals even in this event (CWG) and make India proud," Dutt told ANI.
Talking about the Asian Games, which have been postponed, Yogeshwar said, "Even after it was postponed, the preparation will continue. This will give us time to overcome our shortcomings, and I believe we will get more benefit from this in Paris Olympics."
In Khelo India Youth Games, Haryana, the state from where Dutt belongs, continued its stay at the top of the medals tally with 36 gold, 28 silver and 36 bronze.
"Indian sports have got a boost through Khelo India. The players also got a lot of courage, as they talk to the Prime Minister who encourage them, so this is a very good thing that has happened in India. Haryana is currently doing very well in Khelo India. If you look at any game, Haryana has the highest participation. More talent will come out of this tournament," he added.
