🤼‍♂️ YEAR-END REVIEW – SPORTS ARENA SPECIAL

WRESTLING 🤼‍♀️

2025 was a year of contrast for Indian wrestling, marked by limited success at the senior international level, highlighted by a single medal at the World Championships, but exceptional performances from junior and age-group wrestlers, signaling a promising future under good guidance.

🏆 Senior Level Achievements

🌍 World Wrestling Championships 2025

India Medals: 1 🥉

India's only medal was a bronze by Antim Panghal (Women's 53kg), making her the second Indian woman (after Vinesh Phogat) and third overall to win multiple World Championships medals.

Key Performances:

Suraj Vashisht claimed one of the biggest wins of his career, defeating former World Champion Victor Ciobanu in the Men's Greco-Roman 60kg category.
Sujeet Kalkal fought hard but fell short against eventual World Champion Rahman Amouzad in Men's 65kg Freestyle.
The campaign was otherwise disappointing, with no other podium finishes, and Paris Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat was disqualified due to weight issues.

🌏 Asian Wrestling Championships 2025

India Medals: 1 🥇 | 3 🥈 | 6 🥉
Gold:
- Manisha Bhanwala – Women's 62kg
Silver:
- Deepak Punia – Men's 92kg
- Udit – Men's 61kg
- Reetika Hooda – Women's 76kg

🏅 Ranking Series & International Opens

Ulaanbaatar Open (3rd Ranking Series)

India Medals: 6 🥇 | 7 🥈 | 8 🥉
Gold Medallists:
- Antim Panghal
- Muskan
- Harshita Mor
- Reetika Hooda
- Neha Sharma
- Anil Mor

Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial – Budapest

India fielded a strong contingent. Sujeet Kalkal claimed victories over:

Paris Olympic 🥉 Islam Dudaev
European 🥈 Khamzat Arsamerzouev
Former European 🥇 Vazgen Tevanyan
European 🥉 Ali Rahimzade

➡️ Result: 🥇 Gold

🧑‍🎓 Age-Group & Junior Achievements

🌍 U17 World Wrestling Championships

Indian Women’s Team: Team Gold (2nd consecutive year)
Overall Medal Tally Position: 3rd
Medals: 4 🥇 | 4 🥈 | 1 🥉

🌍 U20 World Wrestling Championships

Overall Position: 4th
Total Medals: 9
- 2 🥇 | 4 🥈 | 3 🥉

The campaign was further highlighted by a strong collective performance from the women’s team, which claimed silver in the team standings.

🌍 U23 World Wrestling Championships

Overall Position: 7th
Total Medals: 9
- 1 🥇 | 2 🥈 | 6 🥉

Key Highlight:

The Indian Women’s team clinched a historic team gold, marking a landmark moment for the country.

Adding to the memorable run was Sujeet Kalkal, who delivered the tournament of his career with wins over:

Former U23 World Champion Magomedov
Former U20 World Champion Nishiuchi
Senior World Bronze medallist Jalolov

His performances played a pivotal role in India’s historic campaign.

🔮 Looking Ahead

2026 will be especially significant for Indian wrestling, with the Asian Games serving as a major test as the country aims to translate recent progress into continental success and build momentum toward Los Angeles 2028.

✍️ Credits

Original Analysis & Coverage: Sports Arena
Original Post: Year-End Review – Wrestling (2025)

Adapted and formatted for digital publishing.