Indian wrestling in 2025: Senior struggles persist, juniors offer hope for future

Indian wrestling went through a turbulent 2025, marked by modest returns at the senior level but buoyed by an encouraging showing from its junior contingent, which offered hope for a brighter future amid administrative and on-mat challenges.

At the senior level, Antim Panghal stood out as India’s most consistent performer. Competing in the women’s 53kg category, the Haryana wrestler won a bronze medal at the World Championships, ensuring India did not return empty-handed from the sport’s premier event. Her campaign was highlighted by a commanding display in the bronze-medal bout, once again underlining her ability to handle pressure against elite opposition.

Antim also secured a bronze at the Asian Championships and capped her season with gold at the senior national championships. Her domestic success assumed added significance as it came after her decision to move up to the 55kg category, making her India’s standout senior wrestler this year.

Beyond Antim’s effort, India’s overall performance at the senior World Championships fell below expectations, with her bronze being the lone medal. Several wrestlers bowed out after narrow early-round defeats, highlighting India’s continuing struggle to convert tight contests into wins at the highest level. One bright spot at the continental stage was Manisha Bhanwala, who clinched gold in the women’s 62kg category at the Asian Championships.

Among the year’s major talking points was the difficult season endured by Aman Sehrawat (57kg). The youngest Indian Olympic medallist, who had captured national attention at the Paris Games, was disqualified at the World Championships for failing to make weight and subsequently banned. The episode exposed gaps in athlete management and governance, though Aman returned to domestic competition after the Wrestling Federation of India lifted his suspension following an unconditional apology.

The season was further disrupted by disciplinary issues, with Neha Sangwan banned for being overweight at the Under-20 World Championships and Reetika Hooda sidelined after a doping violation, affecting India’s depth in the higher weight categories.

While senior success was limited, India’s juniors provided a silver lining. Strong performances at the Under-23 and Under-20 World Championships, led by Sujeet Kalkal’s gold and multiple podium finishes across styles, highlighted a healthy pipeline. Coaches viewed the emergence of promising juniors as a positive sign, even as senior wrestlers continued to provide experience and stability.

Adding to the optimism, Vinesh Phogat announced her decision to come out of retirement , while the Pro Wrestling League is set to return next month, offering a crucial platform for young wrestlers transitioning to the senior ranks.