Indian wrestling fans witnessed an afternoon of high-intensity action, tactical battles, and decisive wins as the country’s top freestyle wrestlers fought it out for a place in the senior World Wrestling Championships team.
The trials, held earlier today, brought together established names and rising stars across weight categories from 57kg to 125kg. When the dust settled, the lineup reflected a blend of experience, consistency, and youthful aggression ready to take on the world.
Here’s a closer look at the ten wrestlers who secured their berths, and the highlights that shaped the final list.
Aman Sehrawat Dominates the 57kg Category
The spotlight naturally fell on Aman Sehrawat, fresh from his bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, as he stepped onto the mat for the 57kg trials. Aman showed why he’s considered one of India’s brightest wrestling prospects, starting his campaign with a solid 12–2 victory over Sumit Malik in the second round. Despite appearing a touch rusty, Aman’s sharp leg attacks and relentless tempo quickly overwhelmed his opponent.
In the final, Aman turned it up another notch, securing a technical superiority win (11–0) against Rahul from Delhi. Attacking from the outset, Aman’s agility and clinical finishing left no room for a comeback, booking his ticket to the World Championships in emphatic fashion.
Sujeet Kalkal Seals His Spot in 65kg
The 65kg category saw the highly anticipated clash between Sujeet Kalkal and Vishal Kaliraman. Earlier, Sujeet had looked in control in the semifinal, defeating Anuj Kumar 8–0 with composed defense and effective counters. Vishal, for his part, showcased dominance with a 10–0 win over Mohit.
In the final, Sujeet displayed patience and tactical awareness, edging past Vishal 8–4 in a closely contested bout. Vishal mounted a late challenge, even forcing Sujeet into defensive positions, but a crucial lost challenge cost Vishal dearly. With this win, Sujeet secured his place in the senior World Championships team, demonstrating maturity under pressure.
Deepak Punia’s Experience Shines at 92kg
In the 92kg category, it was all about Deepak Punia, who carried his international pedigree into the trials. Deepak started strong, registering a commanding 10–0 victory in his second-round match, showing sharp offensive technique and rock-solid defense.
The final saw Deepak face Sachin, and the bout ended in dramatic style. Deepak pinned Sachin to book his place in the World Championships team, adding yet another chapter to his consistent record of delivering in crucial moments. His controlled aggression and technical depth stood out throughout the day.
Consistent Winners Across Categories
The trials also saw several other wrestlers secure their berths with composed and consistent performances:
- 61kg: Udit emerged victorious, defeating Niraj of Delhi in the semifinal to set up the final, where he outperformed Nikhil.
- 70kg: Rohit topped his category, ensuring his spot through disciplined wrestling.
- 74kg: Jaideep booked his place with measured aggression and tactical awareness.
- 79kg: Amit claimed the spot, handling pressure in the crucial stages.
- 86kg: Mukul Dahiya advanced past Sachin in the semifinals and maintained momentum to win his category.
- 97kg: Vicky secured the place with balanced offensive and defensive wrestling.
- 125kg: Rajat powered his way through the heavyweight division to clinch the final berth.
Together, these wrestlers make up India’s men’s freestyle team that will represent the nation on the world stage.
Highs, Lows, and Key Takeaways
The trials underlined the depth and growing competitiveness in Indian freestyle wrestling. Established names like Deepak Punia and Aman Sehrawat delivered as expected, but it was equally heartening to see emerging wrestlers like Udit, Sujeet, and Rajat step up on the big day.
The final bout in the 65kg category between Sujeet and Vishal stood out as the most gripping contest. Vishal’s determined comeback attempt and Sujeet’s composed response reflected the technical evolution and mental resilience being nurtured in the Indian wrestling circuit. Meanwhile, Aman’s technical superiority and Deepak’s dominant pin reminded everyone why they’re still among the best in the country. Across weight classes, tactical discipline, fitness, and adaptability were recurring themes in the winners’ performances.
Looking Ahead: The World Championships Challenge
With the trials concluded, the focus now shifts to preparing for the Senior World Championships—a key event on the international calendar. For many, it offers not only medals but crucial ranking points and the chance to test themselves against global heavyweights.
Aman Sehrawat, with his speed and attacking mindset, will aim to improve upon his already impressive international record. Deepak Punia’s experience and mat awareness will be vital in the heavier category. Meanwhile, Sujeet’s win in 65kg signals India’s potential depth in one of wrestling’s most competitive divisions.
For first-time qualifiers like Udit, Rohit, and Rajat, the World Championships represent a significant step up but also a chance to announce themselves on the global stage.
The men’s freestyle trials didn’t just finalize a team they showcased the blend of youth and experience, tactical maturity, and fighting spirit that defines Indian wrestling today. From Aman’s commanding technical win to Sujeet’s hard-earned triumph, every bout told a story of perseverance and ambition.
As India heads to the World Championships, the names on this list won’t just carry the nation’s hopes—they’ll embody the relentless drive that keeps Indian wrestling rising on the world stage.
