India confirms lineup for Hollywood Wrestles Bollywood at the Beat the Streets Los Angeles 5th Annual Benefit

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik of India. 

LOS ANGELES – The Wrestling Federation of India announced its well credentialed women’s freestyle lineup for Hollywood Wrestles Bollywood on March 31 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.

Powerhouse India will face off against some of the USA’s women’s freestyle stars as part of Beat the Streets Los Angeles’ 5th Annual Benefit and International Competition, a yearly fundraising and awareness event for the LA-based wrestling non-profit.

The USA announced its lineup two weeks ago.

The Indian women’s wrestling team is coming off one of its strongest seasons in history with their wrestlers winning gold at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships.

Highlighting the Indian roster is 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik at 62 kg and 2018 Senior World bronze medalist Pooja Dhanda at 57 kg.

Malik, who also owns a 2010 Junior World bronze medal, finished second at United World Wrestling’s Ranking Series event the Dan Kolov International. En route to a silver medal, Malik defeated defending World champion Petra Olli of Finland.

At Hollywood Wrestles Bollywood, Malik will take on 2018 Senior World bronze winner Mallory Velte.

Dhanda has represented India at seven World Championships across all age groups. The 2017 Asian Indoor Games bronze medalist will go head-to-head with two-time Senior World Team member Jenna Burkert at 57 kg.

India’s three-time Senior World representative and 2016 Olympian Vinesh will take on 2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt at 53 kg. Vinesh was a 2018 Asian Games champion.

There are two other past World medalists in India’s lineup, including Sheetal Tomar, who won Junior World bronze in 2013, and Navjot Kaur, who was a 2009 Junior World bronze medalist.

Tomar will compete at the event at 50 kg, while Kaur will wrestle at 65 kg.

Nine-time Indian World Teamer Sarita will compete at 59 kg, where she will face two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan. Sarita won bronze at the 2018 Yasar Dogu.

Rounding out India’s lineup Yasar Dogu champion and eight-time World Team member Pinki at 55kg, two-time Senior Asian Championships silver medalist and 2018 Asian Games bronze winner Divya Kakran at 68 kg, 2018 Senior World representative Kiran at 72 kg and Sudesh at 76 kg.

Fans can buy tickets for the event at universe.com/btsla-benefit.

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