India’s freestyle wrestling contingent capped off an impressive campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 with multiple medals across categories, reinforcing their growing strength on the continental stage.
Ankush and Sandeep Singh Mann added to the tally with a bronze and silver respectively, while standout performances from Abhimanyou Mandwal and Sujeet Kalkal, who clinched gold medals, headlined a memorable outing.
In the 57kg category, Ankush produced a composed and tactically sharp performance to secure the bronze medal, defeating Japan’s Fuga Sasaki 8-2. The victory carried added significance, considering Ankush had lost to the same opponent earlier this year at the Zagreb Open. This time, however, the Indian wrestler displayed clear improvements in both strategy and execution.
Ankush controlled the bout from the outset, maintaining positional discipline and capitalising on scoring opportunities. His ability to neutralise Sasaki’s attacks and convert defensive phases into points proved decisive. The win not only earned him a podium finish but also demonstrated his ability to learn and adapt an essential quality at this level.
In the 79kg category, Sandeep Singh Mann continued his consistent run to secure a silver medal, though he fell narrowly short in the final. Facing Keyvan Gharehdaghi, Sandeep lost a closely contested bout 1-2, with both wrestlers engaged in a highly tactical battle. The match was defined by tight defence, minimal scoring opportunities, and fine margins.
Despite the loss, Sandeep’s campaign remains a significant milestone. Reaching the final and securing silver reflects his steady progression on the international circuit, especially after years of perseverance. His ability to compete against top-tier wrestlers and push finals to narrow margins indicates that he is now firmly among the contenders in his weight category.
In the 97kg division, Vicky Hooda narrowly missed out on a medal after losing the bronze medal match to Uzbekistan’s Sherzod Poyonov. The bout ended 5-7, with Vicky pushing hard but ultimately falling short against the U20 World Champion. While the result was disappointing, his overall performance in the tournament, including reaching the medal round, adds to India’s depth in freestyle wrestling.
India’s campaign, however, was defined by its gold medal performances, particularly from Abhimanyou Mandwal and Sujeet Kalkal.
Abhimanyou delivered one of the standout moments of the tournament in the 70kg category, clinching gold with a 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Tumur-Ochir Tulga, the 2025 World Championships silver medallist. The win was a culmination of a remarkable run that saw Abhimanyou defeat some of the biggest names in the division.
His campaign began with a dominant 11-1 win over China’s Siming Wang in the quarterfinals, showcasing his attacking intent and technical superiority. In the semifinals, he pulled off a major upset by defeating defending champion and three-time World medallist Ernazar Akmataliev of Kyrgyzstan 6-3. That victory not only secured his place in the final but also established him as a serious contender.
In the gold medal bout, Abhimanyou combined tactical awareness with controlled aggression to outmaneuver Tulga. He managed scoring exchanges effectively and maintained composure in key moments to close out the match. The victory marks a significant breakthrough in his career and signals his arrival as a major force in the 70kg category.
Equally impressive was Sujeet Kalkal’s run in the 65kg division, where he dominated the field to claim gold. In a rematch of the U23 World Championships final, Sujeet defeated Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov 8-1, delivering a commanding performance that underlined his consistency and class.
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Sujeet’s victory was built on relentless pressure and precise execution. He dictated the pace of the bout, forced errors from his opponent, and converted opportunities efficiently. The win also extended his unbeaten run on the international circuit to 15 matches, highlighting a remarkable level of consistency.
At just 23 years of age, Sujeet’s rise has been rapid and convincing. Already a U23 World and Asian champion, he is now making a strong case as one of India’s leading prospects in freestyle wrestling. His ability to dominate experienced opponents suggests that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
Overall, India’s freestyle medal tally now stands at two gold, one silver, and one bronze, reflecting a balanced and impactful performance across weight categories. More importantly, the results indicate a shift towards greater depth and competitiveness within the squad.
The presence of multiple medal winners, along with finalists and near-podium finishes, suggests that India is no longer reliant on a handful of athletes. Instead, a broader group is emerging, capable of delivering results consistently at major competitions.
As the focus shifts to upcoming global events, including World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, this performance provides both confidence and momentum. The challenge now will be to sustain this level and convert continental success into global podium finishes.
For Indian freestyle wrestling, the Asian Championships 2026 will be remembered not just for the medals, but for the emergence of a new generation ready to take on the world.
