India’s next generation of wrestling stars made a powerful statement on Day 1 of the Asian U17 Wrestling Championships, grabbing a total of four medals and showcasing the depth of talent emerging through the grassroots levels of the sport.
Just days after the Indian U-23 squad impressed with their medal haul, it was the turn of the U-17 Greco-Roman (GR) wrestlers to carry forward the momentum and they did so with grit, power, and promise.
Golden Glory for Hardeep in 110 Kg Greco-Roman
The biggest moment of the day came in the Men’s 110kg Greco-Roman category, where Hardeep powered his way to the top of the podium with a commanding display. Showing immense strength, technical control, and smart mat sense, Hardeep dominated his bouts from start to finish. In the final, he outclassed his opponent with a blend of strategic defense and explosive offense, clinching India’s first gold medal of the championship. His victory underlines India’s growing prowess in the heavier weight categories an area where India has traditionally faced stiff competition from Central Asian powerhouses.
Silver Success for Aditya Dildeep Jadhav in 48 Kg
In the 48kg Greco-Roman division, Aditya Dildeep Jadhav delivered an inspired run to the final. The young grappler displayed an excellent mix of agility and positional play to overcome tough competition through the initial rounds. Although he fell just short in the gold medal match, his silver medal was a huge achievement in a weight category known for its fast pace and highly technical exchanges. His maturity on the mat belied his age, and this medal is sure to boost his confidence as he continues to rise through the national and international ranks.
Bronze for Ritesh in 60 Kg
Adding to India’s tally was Ritesh, who fought his way to a well-earned bronze medal in the 60kg category. After a closely contested semifinal defeat, Ritesh regrouped quickly and bounced back in the bronze medal match with renewed focus.
He employed a smart tactical approach, using defensive solidity to frustrate his opponent before striking with timely throws and counters. His resilience and mental toughness stood out, marking him as a wrestler to watch in the future.
Nitin’s Podium Finish in 92 Kg
Completing India’s medal tally on Day 1 was Nitin, who bagged the bronze medal in the 92kg Greco-Roman event. A consistent performer through the day, Nitin showcased excellent control and endurance in a physically demanding weight class. His composure in tight situations and his ability to turn the match around from challenging positions were particularly noteworthy. The medal is a reward for his persistence and skill, and it adds crucial points to India’s overall standing in the competition.
A Promising Start for India’s Youth Wrestlers
With 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals, India ended the opening day on a high at the Asian U-17 Wrestling Championships. These results not only reflect the talent in the junior pipeline but also the strength of India’s youth development programs—many of these wrestlers come through state-run academies and national camps under the watchful eye of experienced coaches.
The Greco-Roman style has often been a challenging format for Indian wrestlers, given its emphasis on upper-body strength and throws. However, performances like these are a clear indicator that Indian wrestling is making headway in all formats.
The championships will continue over the coming days, with freestyle and women’s events set to begin. If Day 1 is any indication, Indian fans can expect many more medal moments ahead.
India’s future in wrestling looks bright, and with consistent exposure at the international level, these young athletes are gaining the experience and confidence needed to transition into senior success.
Well done, Team India! The journey to becoming champions of Asia and the world begins here—and our U-17 stars have taken their first steps in style.
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