Sujeet’s gold leads India to nine-medal finish at U-23 world wrestling championships

India concluded its campaign at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships 2025 on a high note, securing a total of nine medals, including one gold, two silver, and six bronze, marking one of the nation’s strongest performances at this global event.

On the final day of the championships, Sujeet Kalkal delivered a stellar performance in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category, claiming India’s only gold medal of the tournament. His dominant 10-0 win by technical superiority over Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan, a senior world bronze medalist and former under-20 world champion, was hailed as one of the finest bouts of the event.

According to Olympics.com, Sujeet’s victory was India’s only medal in the men’s freestyle division this year, further enhancing his growing reputation in international wrestling.

India’s Overall Medal Tally

This year’s edition of the championship witnessed India winning nine medals in total—one gold, two silver, and six bronze—across men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman categories. Competitions were held across about ten weight divisions in each category, with over 700 wrestlers from various countries participating in the tournament hosted in Serbia. India fielded athletes in nearly all divisions, except the men’s freestyle 125 kg class.

Earlier in the championship, Vishwajit More opened India’s medal account by clinching a bronze medal in the Greco-Roman 55 kg category. Interestingly, More had also secured India’s first medal at last year’s championship—a testament to his consistency on the international stage.

Women Wrestlers Shine Bright

India’s women wrestlers once again delivered a remarkable performance, winning two silver and five bronze medals, and in the process, clinching the team title in women’s freestyle events.

Among the standout performers was Priya Malik, a former U-20 World Champion, who claimed bronze in the women’s 76 kg category. Another strong showing came from Neha Sharma, the Asian U-20 Champion, who won bronze in the 57 kg class, marking her third medal at the U-23 level.

In the 55 kg category, Nishu caused an upset by defeating Japan’s Mo Kiyuka, the 2024 World Champion, in the bronze medal round—a victory that drew significant attention within wrestling circles.

Meanwhile, Sarika (59 kg) and Hamsika Lamba (53 kg) earned silver medals, both displaying exceptional skill and determination through their bouts. Their performances contributed heavily to India’s overall team success in the women’s division.

Historical Context

Sujeet’s gold medal adds a new chapter to India’s rising legacy at the U-23 level. India has now won four gold medals in the history of the Under-23 World Championships. The country’s first came in 2022, when Aman Sehrawat triumphed in the men’s 57 kg category. In 2023, Ritika Hooda, competing under the United World Wrestling (UWW) flag, earned gold in women’s 76 kg, followed by Chirag Chikkara’s 57 kg title win in 2024 in Tirana, Albania.

Sujeet’s 2025 triumph not only continues this streak but also reflects the growing depth of India’s wrestling talent pipeline, which has been steadily improving under targeted youth development programmes and international exposure.

Looking Ahead

With India’s young wrestlers now consistently reaching the podium at age-group world championships, wrestling authorities and coaches believe the country’s prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond look stronger than ever.

Speaking after his victory, Sujeet credited his success to rigorous training and guidance from the national coaching staff. “Everything here was tough. Winning gold for India at this level motivates me to aim for bigger stages,” he said.

As the curtains fell on the 2025 edition in Serbia, India’s nine-medal performance stood as a testament to the nation’s growing stature in world wrestling—one built on discipline, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of its young athletes.