Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia is set to leave for Issyk-kul in Kyrgyzstan to train for the upcoming Asian Games after skipping the trials for the World Championship held in Patiala on Saturday. 

The World Championship is scheduled to commence in Belgrade on September 16 and with Bajrang skipping the trials, he has made it clear he just wants to concentrate on the continental showpiece in Hangzhou. "Bajrang did not appear for the trials for the Worlds in Patiala today. He has submitted his fitness certificate as required by the Sports Authority of India and should leave for Kyrgyzstan shortly to train for the Asian Games," said IOA-constituted ad-hoc committee member for wrestling Gian Singh on Saturday.

Bajrang had requested the Sports Ministry he wanted to skip the World Championships trials and instead focus on his preparations for the Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 23.

The ministry had then asked for a fitness certificate from Bajrang, which he provided and was accepted by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).

Bajrang will be accompanied on his five-week-long training stint in Kyrgyzstan by his coach, strength and conditioning expert, physiotherapist and sparring partner.