After Sakshi Malik’s prolific performance in women’s wrestling yesterday, where she won the first medal for India at the Rio Olympics, it will be Babita Kumari’s turn to shine at the biggest stage in Brazil. The wrestler will be in action later today in the Round of 16 clash against Greek wrestler Maria Prevolaraki.
It could be yet another glorious day in women’s wrestling with high expectations riding on Kumari’s shoulders after both Malik and Vinesh Phogat performing exceptionally well last night.
Here is everything you need about Babita Kumari’s bout:
Women’s freestyle 53kg Round of 16 – Babita Kumari (India) vs Maria Prevolaraki (Greece)
Timing: 7:10 PM IST
Live coverage: Star Sports network, DD National, and Hotstar app.
Find all the latest updates on www.sportskeeda.com
Venue: Carioca Arena 2, Rio De Janeiro.
It was an unforgettable day for India at the Olympic Games in women’s wrestling yesterday with the two wrestlers who were participating doing well. Sakshi Malik became the first Indian athlete to win a medal at Rio 2016, whereas Vinesh Phogat also looked like she would win it before her journey came to an unfortunate end.
The latter was injured in her match-up against a Chinese wrestler and as a result was eliminated. However, there is one more lady that can make the nation proud tonight.
Babita Kumari will be vying to finish on the podium later today when she takes on Greek wrestler Maria Prevolaraki. The match will be a Round of 16 bout, the winner of which will advance to the quarterfinals.
There had been reports in the media that suggested that the Indian wrestler had been affected by the lethal Zika virus but reports suggest that the Indian has fought off the virus and is ready to compete later today. But it will be interesting to see what the wrestler will have up her sleeve against the Greeks.
The wrestler has been under medication for the past few days, therefore, it might affect her movement and strength during the bout. The Greek wrestler will also be aware of her opponent’s condition and will be looking to create an advantage for herself.
Prevolaraki had also participated at the 2012 London Olympics where she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Yuliya Ratkevich. The 24-year old will be looking to progress further than what she did four years ago.
India will hope Babita can perform well and earn praise later today. But the only worrying factor for the fans will be that the 26-year old has been unable to repeat her feat of winning the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in recent tournaments.
It is not only important for her to perform well against the Greek but if she prevails, she will have to step up her game and perform well in the quarterfinals and thereon.
