The tricolor flew highest in Vung Tau, Vietnam, where the Indian U17 Women’s Wrestling Team delivered a stunning performance to clinch the Champion Trophy at the 2025 U17 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Ten medals including five golds and a commanding 215 points crowned India the undisputed queens of the continent in youth women’s wrestling.
It was more than just a title win; it was a statement. A declaration that Indian women’s wrestling is not only thriving at the senior level but is now deeply rooted at the grassroots, with emerging stars ready to shine on the international mat.
India Tops the Table with Style
When the final tally came in, the gap was emphatic:
- India – 215 points
- China – 151 points
- Japan – 149 points
This wasn’t a photo finish it was a clean sweep. India led not only in medals but also in attitude, aggression, and execution. The mat in Vietnam witnessed a generation of young Indian wrestlers shrugging off pressure, outmaneuvering historically dominant nations like China and Japan, and wrestling with intent beyond their years.
Golden Girls of India
India’s five gold medals came in thrilling fashion, with each one telling a story of grit and supremacy.
- Rachna (43kg) was ice-cold in her dominance. In the final, she blanked her Japanese opponent 9-0, showing complete control from the first whistle to the last.
- Rutuja (46kg) was a wrecking ball. After knocking out a Japanese wrestler in the qualifiers, she powered past her Uzbek rival 10-0 in the final. Two bouts. Two shutouts. One gold.
- Moni (57kg) had the most dramatic gold of the bunch. She stormed past a Japanese wrestler 10-2 in the semis, then edged out her Kazakh opponent 1-1 on criteria in the final. It was a fight that showcased technical finesse and steely nerves.
- Ashvini Vishnoi (65kg) showed composure beyond her age. Up against a sturdy Chinese opponent in the final, she held firm for a 2-0 win that was more methodical than flashy — but every bit as valuable.
- Manisha (69kg) rounded off India’s gold rush in style, pinning her Chinese rival to win by fall. There’s no clearer statement of superiority in wrestling than winning by fall — and Manisha delivered it on the biggest youth stage in Asia.
Fierce in Defeat: Silver Medalists Show Promise
While golds stole the spotlight, the silver medalists showcased just how deep India’s bench strength runs.
- Chesta (40kg) and Kajal (73kg) made it to the final but fell short in tough bouts, still bagging valuable points for the team.
- Tina Punia (61kg) looked unstoppable in the early rounds, including a 10-0 win over a Japanese rival in the quarters. But she was edged out in the final by a Kazakh wrestler 3-3 on criteria, a reminder of how cruel and close this sport can be.
Bronze Adds Balance
India’s campaign was rounded off by two strong bronze medals from Anjali (49kg) and Saarika (53kg). Both athletes showed strong recovery after narrow semifinal defeats and bounced back with convincing wins to step onto the podium.
The Echo Beyond the Mat
Sanjay Kumar Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), summed it up best:
This victory comes on the heels of the Indian U23 Women’s Team winning the team title at the Senior Asian Championships, also held in Vietnam. The message is loud and clear: Indian women’s wrestling is in excellent hands now and for years to come.
Victories like this aren’t just about medals. They’re about:
- Momentum: Success at the U17 level builds the confidence and experience that feeds into the senior level.
- Depth: A 10-medal haul from across weight classes proves that India isn’t relying on just a few stars.
- Visibility: These wins help shift attention to the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots, especially for young girls in sports.
India’s Medal Tally, U17 Asian Women’s Wrestling
🥇 Gold
- Rachna – 43 kg
- Rutuja – 46 kg
- Moni – 57 kg
- Ashvini Vishnoi – 65 kg
- Manisha – 69 kg
🥈 Silver
- Chesta – 40 kg
- Tina Punia – 61 kg
- Kajal – 73 kg
🥉 Bronze
- Anjali – 49 kg
- Saarika – 53 kg
The Future Looks Fierce
India’s U17 women have thrown down the gauntlet. This win is not a blip it’s a blueprint. With a solid system, committed coaching, and fearless athletes, India is on the verge of a new era in wrestling.
Vietnam saw the birth of champions. But more importantly, it witnessed the rise of a generation that is not just competing they’re conquering.
