Her coach Dada Lavate says Nandini understands what’s at stake at the selection trials and is ready to give her best. In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, Dada Lavate said:
However, there are doubts over Vinesh Phogat’s even after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) allowed the wrestler to compete at the trials.
The selection trials for the Worlds are slated for August 31 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
Vinesh Phogat and Nandini Salokhe have faced each other several times during training and various trials. Their most recent encounter was at the Matteo Pellicone Rome Rankings in March in the first round. Vinesh Phogat defeated Nandini Salokhe by a pinfall.
Dada Lavate says that although Vinesh won his ward got a valuable lesson in her debut senior international competition.
Nandini Salokhe’s advantage at the World Championship selection trials
Lavate said Nandini’s biggest advantage is her weight. Unlike many competitors in her weight class, the 24-year-old does not have to cut weight. Instead, she added an extra pound to wrestle in 53 kg. This gives her an edge over other wrestlers and also helps her move between 50 kg and 53 kg, which are both Olympic weight categories.
The Kohlapur-born wrestler had competed in the 50 kg – as Vinesh had already confirmed 53kg berth - for the Olympic qualifier trials. However, she suffered an elbow injury in the final against Seema Bisla and had to pull out. Seema eventually qualified for the Olympics at the World Qualifiers.
On why Nandini does not compete in 50 kg, Lavate added:
Dada Lavate feels Nandini will have a psychological advantage over Vinesh given she has nothing to lose compared to the 2019 world medalist.
The world championships will be held in Oslo, Norway between October 2 and 10.
Also Read: Wrestling World Championships: WFI allows Vinesh Phogat to compete, Deepak Punia pulls out
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