India’s wrestling contingent continued its impressive run at the Asian Youth Games 2025, with four wrestlers advancing to the gold medal matches and two others securing spots in bronze medal bouts.
The young Indian grapplers showed remarkable skill, control, and composure across both boys’ and girls’ divisions, marking another strong day for the team in Shandong.
Among the boys, Jaiveer Singh (55kg) and Gourav Punia (65kg) produced standout performances to reach their respective gold medal bouts. Jaiveer Singh began his campaign in dominant fashion, crushing Gedara of Sri Lanka 10-0 (VSU) in the Round of 32 and repeating the same scoreline against Phann of Cambodia in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, he drew 4-4 against Iran’s Zarezadeh but advanced on criteria, showing great tactical awareness.
He then blanked Yskakbek of Kazakhstan 5-0 (VPO) in the semifinal, booking his place in the final against Japan’s Furusawa. His consistency and quick finishes have made him one of India’s brightest prospects from the boys’ section. In the 65kg category, Gourav Punia put together an equally strong run. He began by defeating China’s Wu 10-0 (VSU) in the Round of 16 before overpowering Turkmenistan’s Gylyjov 12-2 (VSU) in the quarterfinals. In a tightly contested semifinal, he edged past Kazakhstan’s Askerbek 3-2 (VPO) to reach the gold medal match against Iran’s Mollamohammadi.
Punia’s powerful leg attacks and composed defense under pressure stood out through his three bouts, giving India a second finalist from the boys’ team.
Moni and Yashita reach gold medal matches in girls’ draw
On the girls’ side, Moni (57kg) and Yashita Rana (61kg) advanced to the finals after clinical wins through their brackets. Moni, one of India’s most promising youth wrestlers, started with a commanding 10-0 win over Sri Lanka’s Ranaweera in the Round of 16, followed by a 4-0 (VPO) quarterfinal victory against Thailand’s Nathakham. She was in complete control in the semifinal, blanking China’s Xu 8-0 (VPO) to storm into the final against Kyrgyzstan’s Zholdoshbekova. Moni’s blend of precision and power has made her a dominant force on the mat, and she will now look to secure India’s first gold of the event.
Yashita Rana continued India’s momentum in the 61kg category, beginning with a 4-1 (VPO) win over Jumanazarov of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals. She followed that up with a 6-0 (VPO) win against Kazakhstan’s Chynybaeva in the semifinal. Yashita will now face Mukhat of Kazakhstan in the final, aiming to finish her campaign on top of the podium.
While four Indian wrestlers will contest for gold, Rachana (43kg) and Komal Verma (49kg) have reached the bronze medal bouts after strong showings. Rachana, competing in the 43kg division, defeated Kazakhstan’s Bakkozha 2-0 (VPO) in her opening round before losing 2-5 to Shonazarova of Uzbekistan in the semifinal. She will face Bakkozha again in the bronze medal match, giving her a shot to avenge her earlier defeat. Komal Verma (49kg) began her campaign well, beating Uzbekistan’s Abdumusaeva 6-1 (VPO1) in the quarterfinals before losing 0-10 (VSU) to Japan’s Katsume in the semifinal. She now takes on China’s Mo for the bronze medal later tonight.
Among the other Indian wrestlers, Shivam (48kg), Kapil Dahiya (71kg), and Saurabh Yadav (80kg) fell short of reaching the repechage rounds. Shivam lost narrowly 1-1 on criteria to Rakhatov of Kazakhstan, Dahiya was defeated 0-10 by Jumanazarov of Uzbekistan, and Yadav went down 4-9 to Iran’s Karami in the quarterfinals.
With four finalists and two bronze medal contenders, India’s wrestling team has delivered a strong collective performance at the Asian Youth Games. The results underline the depth of talent emerging from India’s youth setup, especially in women’s wrestling, where both Moni and Yashita have shown dominance similar to the country’s senior stars. The technical efficiency particularly in ground control and transition holds has been a highlight of India’s campaign so far. As the finals approach, the contingent will be keen to convert its strong position into medals and possibly a few golds.
India’s Gold Medal Finalists
- Gourav Punia (65kg Boys) vs Mollamohammadi (IRI) — 19:35 IST
- Moni (57kg Girls) vs Zholdoshbekova (KGZ) — 19:45 IST
- Jaiveer Singh (55kg Boys) vs Furusawa (JPN) — 19:58 IST
- Yashita Rana (61kg Girls) vs Mukhat (KAZ) — 20:55 IST
India’s Bronze Medal Contenders
- Rachana (43kg Girls) vs Bakkozha (KAZ) — 20:20 IST
- Komal Verma (49kg Girls) vs Mo (CHN) — 20:32 IST
India will aim to close the day with multiple medals as six of its wrestlers take the mat for the finals and bronze medal bouts this evening a testament to the strength and promise of India’s next generation of wrestlers.
