Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Chetan delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament at the Zagreb Ranking Series, storming into the 63kg final with a series of commanding victories before eventually settling for silver.
Competing in one of the most technically demanding divisions of Greco-Roman wrestling, Chetan combined tactical sharpness with attacking authority to carve a dominant path to the gold medal bout. Although he fell 4–8 to Iran’s Erfan Behnam Jarkani in the final, his campaign particularly a resounding win over former world champion Meysam Dalkhani underlined his growing stature on the international circuit.
Chetan’s journey began in the Round of 16 against Kazakhstan’s Dastan Zarlykhanov. From the opening exchange, he imposed upper-body control and forced the pace in the clinch positions. The bout ended via fall, reflecting his ability to convert positional dominance into decisive results.
In the pre-quarterfinal, he faced Croatia’s Dejan Berkec. This contest showcased Chetan’s technical depth. He secured exposure points through sharp par terre execution and maintained control in neutral positions, ultimately winning by Technical Superiority (TSU). The margin not only secured progression but demonstrated a clear scoring edge over his opponent.
Semifinal Masterclass Against a Former World Champion
The defining moment of Chetan’s tournament came in the semifinal against Iran’s Meysam Dalkhani, a former world champion with extensive experience at the highest level. The matchup represented both a technical and psychological test.
From the outset, he controlled tie-ups and forced Dalkhani into defensive positions. His transitions from standing exchanges to par terre were executed with precision, and he capitalised on every scoring opportunity. The bout concluded 14–5 via Technical Superiority a significant statement considering the calibre of opposition.
Beating a former world champion by such a margin is rare at ranking series level. It highlighted Chetan’s improved conditioning, sharper execution in gut-wrench situations, and confidence in attacking sequences rather than waiting for passivity calls.
Final Bout: Narrow Defeat, Valuable Lessons
In the gold medal match, Chetan faced another Iranian, Erfan Behnam Jarkani. The final was tactically tighter, with both wrestlers cautious in early exchanges. Jarkani managed to capitalise on key scoring moments, building a narrow lead that Chetan attempted to chase down.
Despite a determined effort, Chetan fell 4–8, settling for silver.
The scoreline reflected a competitive contest rather than a one-sided affair. Chetan continued to press for openings, but Jarkani’s defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency proved decisive in the closing phases. While the gold narrowly slipped away, the silver medal capped a highly impressive run and provided valuable ranking points early in the season.
Technical Evolution and Competitive Context
Greco-Roman wrestling at 63kg is typically characterised by explosive upper-body exchanges, rapid positional transitions, and unforgiving margins for error. Chetan’s performances in Zagreb suggested a clear evolution in his competitive maturity.
Key takeaways from his campaign:
- Improved par terre conversion rate
- Greater confidence in initiating attacks
- Effective conditioning across multiple high-intensity bouts
- Tactical discipline against elite opponents
The victory over Dalkhani in particular serves as a benchmark. Ranking Series events attract strong international fields, and defeating a proven world-level athlete reinforces Chetan’s credentials within India’s Greco-Roman setup.
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The Zagreb Open marks the first major ranking event of the year, making performances here an early indicator of form and readiness. For Chetan, the silver medal does more than add to his résumé it positions him as a serious contender in future continental and world-level competitions.
As India continues to rebuild and strengthen its Greco-Roman program, consistent podium finishes against Iranian and Central Asian opposition are critical markers of progress. Chetan may have finished second on the podium, but his run dominant victories, a technical masterclass in the semifinals, and a competitive final stands as one of India’s most encouraging Greco-Roman performances of the season so far.
The silver in Zagreb is not just a medal. It is a statement that Chetan belongs among the elite in the 63kg division and that bigger stages may soon follow.
