Federation Cup 2025 (Wrestling): A Showcase of Grit, Skill, and Redemption
The Federation Cup 2025 has emerged as one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Indian wrestling calendar.
With competitors from across the nation stepping up to represent their respective states, the tournament promises a blend of fierce competition, strategic mastery, and inspiring comebacks. Organized under the banner of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the event is designed not only to crown champions but also to serve as a crucial platform for wrestlers aiming to qualify for international events such as the Asian Championships and the upcoming global tournaments.
The competition is structured across three different mats, each hosting distinct weight categories and wrestling styles:
• Mat A (Men’s Freestyle): 57 kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, and 97 kg.
• Mat B (Women’s): 50 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 62 kg, and 68 kg.
• Mat C (Freestyle): 61 kg, 70 kg, 79 kg, 92 kg, and 125 kg.
An interesting development this year is the registration of several top Railways wrestlers who missed out on the National Championships in Bengaluru last December and the National Games earlier this year.
Now, these athletes are seizing the opportunity to prove their mettle on a national stage. Among them are high-caliber competitors such as Paris Olympian Antim Panghal (53 kg), World Under-23 bronze medallist Sagar Jaglan (86 kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65 kg), Yash Tushir (74 kg), Vishal Kaliraman (originally 65 kg but now shifted to 70 kg), Kuldeep Malik (72 kg), and Viresh Kundu (130 kg).
Key Match Highlights and Notable Performances
On Mat A, several standout matches have caught the attention of wrestling enthusiasts. Yash Tushir, competing in the 74 kg category, showcased his power by defeating Sumit Kumar 10-0 in the quarterfinals. This victory was not only dominant on the scoreboard but also a testament to Tushir’s refined technique. Earlier in the Asian Games Trials, he secured a vital win over Naveen Malik, earning his ticket to Hangzhou. Although Tushir faced a setback in the 2022 Asian Games—where he was knocked out in the quarterfinals by a Tajikistan wrestler—his recent performance at the Federation Cup signals a significant evolution in his skill set and mental fortitude.
Moving to the 65 kg category on Mat A, Haryana’s Sujeet Kalkal is making headlines. After clinching the Gold medal at the National Championships last year, Kalkal is now preparing for his semifinal bout at the Federation Cup.
In a dominant semifinal display, he defeated Manish 11-0, thereby securing his place in the finals. Kalkal’s performance is a clear indicator that he is in peak form and is ready to continue his winning streak at the upcoming Asian Championships trials.
In another weight class, Vishal Kaliraman has recently shifted from 65 kg to 70 kg. In 2023, he won the 65 kg trials by beating Rohit in the final; however, due to the direct berth given to Tokyo Olympics medalist Bajrang Punia, Vishal was placed on standby. His decision to move up a weight class now offers him a fresh opportunity to prove his capability against a different set of opponents.
Dramatic Finals and Gold Medal Moments
The tournament has also delivered moments of complete domination and technical brilliance. In the 57 kg category, a high-voltage match unfolded between Maharashtra’s Shubham and Delhi’s Ankush.
Shubham had previously secured a 10-0 victory over MP’s Vardan Rathod in the semifinals, which paved his way to the final. However, it was Ankush who emerged victorious in the final match by defeating Shubham 12-2. This decisive win not only crowned Ankush as the gold medallist in the 57 kg category but also echoed the legacy of Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat, who has been a benchmark in this weight class.
Meanwhile, Haryana’s Sujeet Kalkal repeated his excellent form by winning the gold medal in the 65 kg category. In the finals, he beat Delhi’s Rinku with a resounding score of 12-2.
Other notable bouts include Himachal Pradesh’s Naveen Kumar, who won the 74 kg gold medal by technical superiority over Haryana’s Vikash, and Sahil Jaglan of Haryana, who showcased his dominance in the 97 kg category by defeating Saurabh from Maharashtra 11-0.
Sahil’s journey through the tournament also featured a commanding semifinal victory over Abhishek from Uttar Pradesh, as well as a clean victory in quarterfinals against Jammu and Kashmir’s Nadeem, both with 11-0 scorelines.
In the higher weight categories, Sagar Jaglan’s performance in the 86 kg class has been nothing short of impressive. With a 10-0 victory over Madhya Pradesh’s Vijay in the quarterfinals and a subsequent win over Maharashtra’s Arjun in the semifinals, Jaglan has firmly established his dominance.
Both Jaglan and 2024 Asian silver medallist Udit Gulia, who won the gold in the 61 kg category, are set to enter the Asian Championships trials soon, promising an exciting international showdown ahead.
A Tournament of Redemption and Rising Stars
The Federation Cup 2025 is more than just a series of matches—it is a stage for redemption, evolution, and the emergence of new talents. From wrestlers who have bounced back from previous setbacks to those making strategic changes in weight classes, every bout tells a story of resilience and ambition.
With the support of the WFI and the legacy of previous champions lighting the way, this tournament is poised to redefine the landscape of Indian wrestling.
As the tournament progresses and more matches are played, fans can stay tuned for further updates and live results. The Federation Cup 2025 not only shapes the future of national wrestling but also solidifies the pathway to international glory.
Gold Medal Results So Far
- Sujeet(Har) 12-2 Rinku(Del) 65kg
- Naveen (HP) got W/O Vikas(Har) 74Kg
- Sahil Jaglan (Har) 11-0 Saurabh (Mah) 97kg
- Ankush (Del) 12-2 Subham(Mah)57Kg
- Sagar Jaglan(Har) 15-4 Ashish(Del) 86Kg
Full list of Men’s Freestyle Champions – Fed Cup 25
57 Kg – Ankush
61 Kg – Udit
65 Kg – Sujeet
70 Kg – Vishal
74 Kg – Naveen
79 Kg – Suraj
86 Kg – Sagar
92 Kg – Sandeep
97 Kg – Sahil
125 Kg – Jaspooran
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