‘Our National Anthem Will Play In LA’: India’s Wrestling Heroes Make A Big Olympic Promise

India’s wrestlers returned from Nagoya with six Asian Games medals and a clear message: the celebrations can wait, because the next target is Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028.

India’s wrestling campaign produced two gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal emerged as champions, while Nitesh Siwach and Antim Panghal won silver. Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar added bronze.

For Sehrawat, the men’s 57kg freestyle gold marked a stunning return after a difficult phase following his Paris Olympics bronze. The 23-year-old struggled with motivation in 2025 and was also troubled by a persistent stomach ailment.

He overcame those setbacks to defeat reigning world champion Han Chong Song 11-7 in the final.

“Ups and downs, injuries keep happening. That phase also comes, but I had the belief. We should never give up,” Sehrawat said after returning to Delhi. “Now our national anthem will be played at the LA Olympics.”

Kalkal, who recovered from 2-9 down to beat Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 in the 65kg final, also has his sights firmly set on Los Angeles. The world No. 2 entered the Games unbeaten this season and said his Olympic preparation had already begun.

Siwach’s silver was another remarkable comeback. A serious knee injury kept him away from wrestling for more than 18 months, during which he helped his family with its dairy business and sold milk in Panipat. He later became the first Indian to reach the Asian Games final in the 97kg Greco-Roman category in 64 years.

Punia won bronze after moving from 86kg to 97kg, while Panghal improved her Hangzhou bronze to silver.

Sunil Kumar also made history, becoming the first Indian Greco-Roman wrestler to win two Asian Games medals.

For India’s wrestling contingent, Nagoya has become a launchpad for the biggest challenge yet, Los Angeles 2028.