In a performance that will be remembered for years, Kajal, one of India’s brightest young wrestling talents, stormed into the women’s 72kg final at the World U20 Wrestling Championships with a stunning 13-6 victory over defending champion Jasmine Robinson of the USA.
The semifinal clash was billed as one of the toughest tests of Kajal’s budding career. Robinson, already a world champion and widely regarded as the most dominant wrestler in the bracket, began aggressively, racing to a 4-0 lead through a takedown and an exposure. For many wrestlers, such a deficit against a reigning champion might have spelled the end. But Kajal responded with remarkable composure and determination. The turning point came midway through the first period when Kajal executed a takedown and immediately followed it with a turn. The U.S. corner challenged the second scoring action, but the review went in Kajal’s favor.
The Indian took a narrow 5-4 lead, and from there, the bout shifted decisively. With momentum on her side, Kajal unleashed her trademark attacking style, producing two sensational four-point throws that had the American completely on the defensive. She added two more takedowns to seal a commanding 13-6 victory by points (VPO), arguably the most significant win of her career to date.
Dominating Run to the Final
Kajal’s journey to the gold medal match has been nothing short of dominant. Right from the opening rounds, she displayed the form and confidence of a wrestler who believed she belonged at the very top.
- Round of 16: Defeated Emili Apostolova (Bulgaria) 15-4
- Quarterfinal: Beat Kaiyrkul Sharshebaeva (Kyrgyzstan) 7-0
- Semifinal: Overpowered Jasmine Robinson (USA) 13-6
Across three bouts, Kajal has scored an astonishing 35 points, conceding just 10. Each victory has showcased her balance of technique, stamina, and fearlessness on the mat.
From Cadet Silver to Junior Glory
Kajal’s run in Samokov is the natural progression of an athlete on the rise. Earlier this year, she clinched silver at the Cadet World Championships (U17), establishing herself as a name to watch. Her ability to step up from cadet to junior level with such authority demonstrates the depth of her talent and adaptability. India has produced world-class wrestlers in recent years Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, and Vinesh Phogat among them. Kajal is now adding her name to that list. With a U17 world silver already in her cabinet, the U20 final represents the next step in her journey towards senior-level dominance.
Credit UWW
Kajal’s opponent in the final will be Yuqi Liu of China, last year’s silver medalist who dispatched Turkey’s Haticenur Sari 13-2 in her semifinal. Liu is known for her strength and consistency, but Kajal has shown she can beat the very best when it matters most. The India-China clash promises to be a thriller. For Liu, the goal is to upgrade her silver medal to gold. For Kajal, it is a chance to etch her name in the history books as only the second Indian woman to win a U20 world title, after Antim Panghal’s trailblazing triumph in 2022.
India’s Campaign: Bronze Chances Still Alive
While Kajal has been the star of the day, India’s other semifinalists also fought hard and remain in contention for bronze medals.
- Shruti (50kg) showed defensive brilliance in her quarterfinal win but was outclassed by Japan’s Rinka Ogawa in the semifinal.
- Saarika (53kg) dominated her quarterfinal but fell to European champion Anastasiia Polska of Ukraine.
- Suraj (60kg, Greco-Roman) displayed strong technique to reach the last four but was undone by Armenia’s Yurik Mkhitaryan.
All three will now compete in the bronze-medal matches, giving India a strong chance of adding to its medal tally alongside Kajal’s guaranteed silver.
Kajal’s run is more than just a personal achievement; it represents the continued rise of India’s women’s wrestling program. Over the past decade, Indian women have consistently brought home medals from age-group and senior competitions, but the ability to topple established champions at world events is what sets the current generation apart. Her fearless approach against Robinson mirrors the confidence seen in Antim Panghal’s rise two years ago. For India, such performances are crucial as the country builds towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where several of today’s U20 stars will likely compete at the senior level.
Kajal’s semifinal win in Samokov was not just about advancing to a final it was about making a statement that Indian wrestlers are unafraid of reputations and ready to challenge the world’s best.
With a 13-6 triumph over a reigning world champion, she has already secured her place in the conversation as one of India’s most promising young wrestlers. The big test now awaits in the final against Yuqi Liu, where gold and history beckon. Regardless of the result, Kajal’s journey at the World U20 Championships is a reminder that India’s wrestling future is bright, bold, and in safe hands.
Dominating, fearless, and determined Kajal has arrived on the world stage.
