Sandeep Tomar secures Asian Games spot, Aware gives trials a miss

Wrestler Sandeep Tomar staved off stiff competition from the talented Utkarsh Kale to qualify for the Asian Games and World Championship in the 57kg category, even as Rahul Aware opted out of the trials, citing a knee injury.

In the most exciting bout of the day, Sandeep, the 2016 Asian Championship winner, trailed Utkarsh 2-4 after the first round and drifted further with Utkarsh creating another two-point move in the beginning of second round.

However, Sandeep, like many times in the past, made a strong comeback and rolled his opponent twice to level the score at 6-6 towards the end. Since Sandeep had scored the last points, he was declared the winner.

With Sandeep's selection, India's men's wrestling squad for the Asian Games is now complete as re-trials were required in the 57kg category after Sandeep, Utkarsh and Ravi had earlier ended on equal points and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aware sought more time for preparation.

"Although I was trailing, I knew I could beat him. I had confidence in my ability," Sandeep told PTI, adding, "I could not play my best since I had fever few days back and also back pain."