Weak CWG field is perfect opportunity for Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik to regain lost touch

The CWG will be important not only for Vinesh and Sakshi but also for Bajrang Punia, who has been a bit iffy about his attacking prowess since suffering a mind-unsettling and doubt-creating knee injury ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. He recently underwent a few medical tests, and the results restored his confidence that his body is not in danger of breaking down, if pushed. He can afford to go all out at the CWG, where wrestling powerhouses like Iran, Russia, Japan and Kazakhstan do not compete.

Only Canadian and Nigerian wrestlers can put up some serious challenge before the Indians, who have been dominating this quadrennial event for years now. The 28-year-old Bajrang would like to get that element of attack back in his game. His biggest strength has always been his immense stamina.

He keeps a lot in his tank and has literally ruled the latter half of the bouts with his enviable endurance. Vinesh was one of the most dominant forces in the wrestling world before the Tokyo Games and her fortunes have only nosedived since her shock medal-less exit from the Japanese capital. Much to the surprise and disappointment of keen observers of the sport, Vinesh, of late, is even struggling to go past her compatriots.

This was something unthinkable before the Tokyo Olympics, where she had gone as one of the hot favourites for a medal. Her struggles with the mental side of the game and the run-ins with the establishment after the Tokyo Games took a toll and made it a complex and tough journey back to normalcy. The CWG can be the platform which gives Vinesh her confidence and rhythm back.