India’s Sujeet Kalkal delivered one of the most remarkable performances by an Indian freestyle wrestler on the global stage, storming into the final of the men’s 65kg category at the U23 Wrestling World Championships 2025 in Belgrade.
The 22-year-old, who won bronze in the previous edition, produced a string of stunning victories to become the first Indian men’s freestyle wrestler to reach the U23 World Championships final. Sujeet’s journey to the gold medal bout was nothing short of spectacular. Competing in a stacked 65kg field, he began his campaign with confidence and tactical precision, showing maturity beyond his years.
In the quarterfinal, Sujeet faced Bashir Magomedov (UWW) a formidable two-time U23 World Champion known for his defensive prowess and explosive counterattacks. In what was expected to be a one-sided bout in favour of the Russian neutral athlete, Sujeet turned the tide with calculated aggression, executing two well-timed takedowns to secure a 4-2 win. The result not only stunned his opponent but also sent a strong message to the rest of the field India had arrived in Belgrade with intent.
The semifinal against Japan’s Yuto Nishiuchi, a two-time U20 World Champion, proved to be a thriller. The Japanese wrestler, known for his speed and technical fluidity, took an early lead. But Sujeet showed composure and belief, clawing his way back into the contest. In the dying seconds, trailing by a single point, the Indian pulled off a stunning takedown to turn the match on its head and clinch a 3-2 victory, sealing his spot in the U23 Worlds final and guaranteeing at least a silver medal for India.
Breaking Barriers for Indian Freestyle Wrestling
Sujeet’s qualification for the final is a historic milestone for Indian wrestling. While India has traditionally enjoyed success in Greco-Roman and women’s categories at age-group competitions, men’s freestyle at the U23 level has often seen tough outings due to the depth of talent from powerhouses like Russia, Iran, and Japan.
Sujeet’s run, therefore, stands as a statement of progress a sign that India’s next generation of freestyle wrestlers is ready to challenge the very best on the world stage. His ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to the opponent’s rhythm reflects the depth of preparation in India’s new high-performance ecosystem.
The semifinal victory was especially significant not just because of the opponent, but the context. Nishiuchi had dominated most of his earlier bouts with technical superiority, and few expected anyone to outwork him in the final moments. Yet, Sujeet’s relentless pursuit and composure under pressure turned the tide in what could become one of the defining moments of his young career.
Sujeet’s adaptability alternating between defensive positioning and swift counterattacks was key to both his major wins. His improved physical conditioning and match awareness were evident, showing the influence of structured training programs under India’s revamped wrestling setup at SAI centres and exposure tournaments across Europe earlier this year.
Final Ahead: A Showdown with Jalolov
Standing between Sujeet and a gold medal is Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan, the 2023 Senior World Championships bronze medallist and one of the most technically complete wrestlers in the weight class. Jalolov’s strength, balance, and counter-attack precision make him a formidable opponent, but Sujeet has already shown he can rise to the challenge against higher-ranked and more experienced wrestlers. Having beaten two world champions on his way to the final, the young Indian will enter the title clash with both confidence and a clear game plan.
Victory against Jalolov would not only secure India’s first-ever U23 World Championship gold in men’s freestyle but also mark a new era for Indian wrestling’s global ambitions.
Sujeet’s ascent has been rapid. A former U20 Asian medallist and a consistent performer in domestic competitions, he has long been seen as part of India’s next wave of international-calibre wrestlers. His ability to blend technical precision with mental resilience mirrors that of the top global wrestlers in the 65kg class a category that includes stars like Bajrang Punia and Takuto Otoguro.
With this run, Sujeet has cemented himself as one of the brightest prospects in Indian wrestling. Regardless of the final outcome, his performances in Belgrade have already elevated his standing and given Indian wrestling a new name to rally behind in the years leading up to Los Angeles 2028.
From bronze last year to the brink of gold this time, Sujeet Kalkal’s rise has been a story of hard work, composure, and belief. His victories over two world champions Bashir Magomedov and Yuto Nishiuchi in successive bouts exemplify his tactical intelligence and fighting spirit. As he prepares for the final against Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov, Sujeet stands on the verge of history not just for himself, but for Indian wrestling as a whole.
Whatever the outcome, his journey in Belgrade has already written a new chapter for India in the global wrestling arena.
