India’s women wrestlers delivered a strong showing at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Albania, securing four medals across multiple weight categories over the course of the competition.
The medals included two silvers on Day 4, following earlier podium finishes on Day 2 and Day 3, underlining depth across the squad in a high-quality international field.
The final day saw India add two silver medals to their tally. In the women’s 53 kg category, Meenakshi produced one of the standout results of the tournament by defeating three-time European medallist Zeynep Yetgil of Türkiye en route to the final. Her campaign culminated in a silver medal finish, marking a significant result against established continental opposition.
In the 57 kg category, former U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan secured silver after a closely contested final against two-time U23 World Champion Solomiia Vynnyk of Ukraine. Neha went down narrowly 7-8 in a bout that remained competitive throughout. Apart from a decisive scoring sequence that swung the momentum, she looked technically sharp. The margin of defeat highlighted the importance of defensive positioning and par terre execution at this level.
Neha’s run to the final included two dominant victories. She defeated Amanda Martinez of the USA 10-0 in the quarterfinals, followed by a 10-0 technical superiority win over Felicitas Domajeva of Norway in the semifinals. The back-to-back shutout wins demonstrated control in neutral exchanges and finishing efficiency before the narrow final setback.
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On Day 3, former U20 World Champion Savita added a bronze medal in the women’s 62 kg category, marking a positive senior-level breakthrough. Savita defeated Adaugo Nwachukwu of the USA 7-5 in the bronze medal bout, managing the final exchanges effectively to secure the podium finish. Earlier in the competition, she opened with a 7-0 victory over Lais Nunes of Brazil in the Round of 16. However, she faced a setback in the quarterfinals, losing 0-11 to Anastasiia Sidelnikova (UWW).
Despite the quarterfinal defeat, Savita regrouped to secure bronze, demonstrating composure in her senior debut at a ranking series event. Having previously won two U17 world titles and a U20 world title, the transition to senior competition has been closely watched. The medal in Albania offers a promising sign as she adapts to higher physicality and tactical complexity.
India’s medal run began on Day 2 in the women’s 50 kg category.
U23 Asian Champion Priyanshi Prajapat claimed silver after reaching the final, where she lost 2-13 by technical superiority to Senior Asian bronze medallist Zeinep Bayanova of Kazakhstan. While the final margin reflected Bayanova’s control, Priyanshi’s path to the title bout showcased competitive consistency in the earlier rounds.
Former U17 World Champion Muskan secured bronze in the same weight category. She delivered a clinical 10-0 technical superiority win over Kendra Ryan of the USA in the medal bout. The dominant scoreline reflected effective mat control and finishing precision, allowing her to close out the contest early.
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Beyond the medal winners, India had a near-miss in the women’s competition. Mansi Ahlawat came close to registering a notable victory over Paris Olympic bronze medallist Grace Bullen. Mansi led 5-2 late in the bout before conceding a decisive four-point outside trip in the final seconds, eventually losing the match. The narrow defeat illustrated both her competitiveness against elite opposition and the fine margins at the highest level.
Across the four days, India’s women wrestlers secured two silver and two bronze medals, competing against a strong international field that included European medallists, age-group world champions, and established senior performers.
The results also reflect a blend of experience and emerging talent. Wrestlers like Meenakshi and Savita demonstrated progression at the senior level, while Neha Sangwan’s run to the 57 kg final confirmed her continued development after success in age-group competition. The Muhamet Malo Ranking Series serves as an important evaluation platform in the international calendar. For India, the four-medal haul provides both ranking points and competitive exposure against diverse wrestling styles.
While areas such as par terre offense and match management in closing moments remain points of refinement, the overall performance signals positive momentum for India’s women’s wrestling contingent heading deeper into the international season.
