Anju, who had outclassed Vinesh Phogat in the recent selection trials, and Harshita put in a dominant show to reach the gold medal bouts of their respective categories at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishek, Kyrgyzstan. However, much fancied Sarita Mor was eliminated following a shock defeat in her opening round on Sunday.

Competing in a competitive 53kg weight class category, Anju picked up back-to-back wins by technical superiority against Philippines’ Aliah Rose Gavalez and Sri Lanka’s Nethmi Ahinsa Fernando.

She faced some resistance from China’s Chun Lei before prevailing 9-6 in the semi-final.

In the final, Anju will face Korea’s Ji Hyang Kim.

Harshita conceded just three points on her way to the final, outclassing Uzbekistan’s Ozoda Zaripboeva by technical superiority (13-3) and Kazakhstan’s Anastassiya Panassovich 5-0.

She will fight it out with China’s Qian Jiang in the final.

However, a big shock was in store for the Indian squad as 2021 World Championship medallist Sarita lost her quarter-final bout 4-8 to Mongolia’s Gantuya Enkhbat.

The 28-year-old was a firm medal contender in this category. Later Enkhbat lost her semi-final, closing the repechage route for the Indian.

Manisha Bhanwala (62kg) and Antim Kundu (65kg) will contest for bronze medals.