The Indian men's freestyle wrestling team claimed the Team Championship Trophy at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam. India topped the freestyle table ahead of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. In total, the Indian contingent ended with 27 medals, including 11 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze.
This historic freestyle victory capped off a sensational continental campaign for the entire Indian contingent, which amassed a staggering total of 27 medals, comprising eleven gold, seven silver, and nine bronze, across the Freestyle, Women's Wrestling, and Greco-Roman categories.
U23 Asian Wrestling Championships: Freestyle Medal Winners
In men's freestyle, gold medals went to Akshay T Dhere at 57kg and Vicky at 97kg. Kumar Mohit at 65kg and Chandermohan at 79kg also struck gold. Silver medals went to Deepak
Rathi at 61kg, Punit Kumar at 92kg, and Lacky at 125kg.
Bronze medals in freestyle were secured by Deepak Berwal at 74kg and Mor Sachin at 82kg. These podium finishes proved crucial in the team race. They helped India stay ahead of strong wrestling nations, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, in the final standings.
'Monumental Achievement. ': WFI Hails Historic Medal Haul At Vietnam
Seeing the massive medal haul by the Indian wrestlers, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) called it a 'monumental achievement' for Indian wrestling and a moment of immense pride for the country. "Our freestyle grapplers have shown unparalleled determination and technical superiority to finish ahead of top wrestling nations like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan," said the WFI President, Sanjay Singh.
"Across all three styles, our athletes have proven that the future of Indian wrestling is incredibly bright. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all our medal winners, coaches, and support staff for making this historic triumph possible," he added.
U23 Asian Wrestling Championships: Women Dominate Across Categories
India's women wrestlers earned ten medals in Da Nang. They claimed six gold, two silver, and two bronze. Gold medals went to Muskan at 53kg, Tapasya at 57kg, Bhagyashree at 62kg, Pulkit at 67kg, Mansi at 68kg, and Kajal at 76kg.
Neha at 59kg and Sweety at 50kg took silver medals. Amruta, at 72kg, and Ahilya, at 55kg, added bronze. Their results matched the men's success and helped build India's overall medal count at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Greco-Roman Completes Medal Haul
In the Greco-Roman, India picked up eight medals. Sumit won gold in the 63kg division. Silver medals went to Suraj at 60kg and Sagar Singh at 67kg. Bronze medals were earned by Neeraj Patel at 55kg and Sachin at 77kg.
Further Greco-Roman bronze medals went to Rohit Bura at 87kg, Rohit at 97kg, and Hardeep at 130kg. These performances anchored India's early campaign. They set up a strong overall showing that ended with 27 medals across all three wrestling styles.
With the U23 event completed, attention now turns to younger wrestlers. The U17 Asian Wrestling Championships will start tomorrow at the same venue in Da Nang. Opening bouts are scheduled from 10 AM, as India's sub-junior contingent prepares for action.
