India’s Kurash contingent continued its strong run at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, adding two more medals to the country’s growing tally.
On October 20, Kanishka Bidhuri clinched a silver in the Girls’ 52 kg category, while Arvind earned a bronze in the Boys’ 83 kg division marking another successful day for Indian martial arts at Isa Sports City.
Kurash, a traditional Uzbek form of wrestling that emphasizes throws and balance, made its debut at the Youth Games this year. For India, a nation still building its presence in the discipline, these results underline the country’s growing depth in indigenous and Asian combat sports.
Kanishka Bidhuri Shines in Silver
Delhi’s Kanishka Bidhuri delivered one of India’s most impressive performances of the Games. Competing in the 52 kg category, the young judoka-turned-Kurash fighter displayed excellent grip work and composure through the early rounds. She opened her campaign with a 3–1 win over Zhibek Tobokelova of Kyrgyzstan in the Round of 16, executing clean hip throws and maintaining control throughout. In the quarterfinals, she faced Thailand’s Waratchaya Khundee and dominated the bout, winning 6–0 to progress to the last four.
Her semifinal clash against Iran’s Setayesh Jalaleddin was a test of patience and technique. Kanishka kept her form and capitalized on her opponent’s defensive stance, earning a 1–0 victory to book her place in the final India’s first in Kurash at these Games.
In the gold medal bout, Kanishka went up against Mubinabonu Karimova of Uzbekistan the sport’s traditional powerhouse. Despite a valiant effort, the Indian was outmatched by Karimova’s speed and precision, eventually losing 0–3. The silver, however, stood as a moment of pride for India, marking the country’s first-ever podium finish in the girls’ Kurash event at the Asian Youth Games.
Arvind’s Bronze in Boys’ 83 kg Adds to the Medal Tally
In the boys’ 83 kg category, India’s Arvind showcased resilience and skill on his way to a bronze medal. Starting from the quarterfinals, Arvind overcame Tajikistan’s Hilol Davlatzoda with an aggressive approach, winning 3–1 to reach the semifinals. His next opponent was the formidable Shohjahon Golibov of Uzbekistan who had dominated his quarterfinal match 10–0. Arvind put up a strong fight but was eventually overpowered, going down 0–10 to the Uzbek athlete, who later went on to clinch the gold medal.
Despite the loss, Arvind’s bronze marked a crucial moment for India. It highlighted the growing competence of Indian Kurash athletes against stronger Central Asian opponents, who have traditionally dominated this martial art.
Kurash, meaning “wrestling” in Uzbek, has its origins in ancient Central Asia, tracing back over 3,500 years. Unlike judo or wrestling, Kurash places emphasis on upright grappling and clean throws no groundwork is permitted, making the bouts faster and more explosive. The inclusion of Kurash in multi-sport events like the Asian Games and Asian Youth Games has opened doors for athletes from across Asia, especially from countries like India, Iran, Korea, and Thailand. India’s adaptation to Kurash has been quick, thanks to athletes transitioning from judo and wrestling backgrounds.
The medals by Kanishka and Arvind underline India’s growing technical understanding of the sport and reflect the early success of developmental efforts made by the Kurash Association of India.
India’s Youth Games Momentum Across the Mats
While Kurash brought medals in combat sports, the Indian contingent continued to shine across disciplines at the Asian Youth Games. At the same venue, Isa Sports City, the Indian Girls’ Kabaddi Team put up a dominant performance, defeating Iran 59–26 to storm into the finals with four wins in a row. Their campaign has been characterized by fast raids, strategic defenses, and a collective spirit that mirrors the country’s traditional strength in the sport.
On the boys’ side, India’s Kabaddi team maintained its unbeaten run with massive victories 81–26 against Pakistan and 89–16 over Sri Lanka showcasing their supremacy in the group stage. Alongside Kurash, these results underlined India’s command in mat-based sports at the Games.
India’s performances in Kurash, Kabaddi, and traditional martial disciplines point toward a broader sporting evolution. The Asian Youth Games have become a platform where India’s emerging athletes are proving their mettle beyond mainstream sports. With programs encouraging grassroots combat training and exposure to Asian martial forms, India is steadily bridging the gap with nations like Uzbekistan and Iran. For Kanishka Bidhuri, the silver medal is not just an individual triumph but also a breakthrough for Indian girls in martial sports a testament to the country’s new generation of fearless, skilled, and disciplined athletes. For Arvind, the bronze marks the start of what could be a promising future in Kurash or judo, both sharing technical similarities.
With these two medals, India’s Kurash campaign at the Asian Youth Games comes to a successful conclusion. While the sport remains relatively new in the Indian context, performances like Kanishka’s and Arvind’s are crucial milestones. They provide the confidence and credibility needed to invest in specialized training, international exposure, and athlete development in the years ahead.
As the Games progress, India continues to show promise across categories from combat sports to team events. The medal-winning Kurash athletes have not only added to the country’s tally but have also expanded India’s footprint in a traditional Asian martial art that’s quickly gaining global attention.
Final Results:
- Kanishka Bidhuri (Girls’ 52 kg) — Silver
- Arvind (Boys’ 83 kg) — Bronze
Kurash may have originated in Uzbekistan, but India’s young athletes have shown that the art of balance, timing, and courage belongs to all who embrace the fight with spirit and respect.
