India enjoyed a strong opening day at the United World Wrestling U23 Asian Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, as Greco-Roman wrestlers Sagar Singh and Suraj secured spots in their respective gold medal contests, guaranteeing at least one silver medal for the country at the Tien Son Sport Center.
Sagar Singh progressed to the 67kg final after a series of confident displays, while Suraj advanced in the 60kg category. Both stayed composed during tense moments, used attacking moves at key stages, and ensured India will feature in two Greco-Roman title bouts on the first day of finals.
U23 Asian Wrestling Championships Greco-Roman India
During the 67kg competition, Sagar Singh relied on tactical discipline and steady defence through the qualification and knockout rounds. Each bout underlined control
on the mat and clear match awareness, allowing safe passage into the evening gold medal clash, where Sagar Singh will try to convert early promise into the top podium finish.
Suraj's run in the 60kg division followed a similar pattern of assurance. Suraj handled pressure in every round, balanced attack with measured risk, and avoided major errors against challenging opponents. By reaching the final, Suraj has already assured India of at least a silver medal, while still staying in contention for a gold at the continental event.
U23 Asian Wrestling Championships Greco-Roman India
Results were more mixed for the rest of the Indian Greco-Roman squad. In the 77kg weight class, Kumar Sachin lost a close semifinal bout to Alikhan Dursonov after a hard battle. Wrestlers entered in the 72kg and 82kg categories exited during the early rounds, meeting strong opposition from other Asian nations and missing out on medal opportunities.
Praising efforts from the opening day, Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh said, "I extend my heartiest congratulations to the wrestlers advancing to the finals. The level of competition here in Vietnam is extremely high, and our athletes are showing great determination and fighting spirit on the mat. We are proud of the hard work they have put in leading up to this championship and wish our finalists, along with the entire contingent competing in the upcoming days, the very best. "
U23 Asian Wrestling Championships Greco-Roman India
India's Greco-Roman campaign will continue on 24 May 2026 with qualification rounds across more divisions. Neeraj will begin in the 55kg class, followed by Sumit at 63kg and Rohit Bura at 87kg, with each aiming for quarterfinal berths. Strong showings from this group could extend the positive start created by Sagar Singh and Suraj.
The performance on the first day, featuring two finalists and several competitive outings, gives the Indian contingent confidence for the remaining sessions in Da Nang. With medals already assured and more wrestlers set to compete, the team will look to build on early momentum at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships.
