As the 2025 World Wrestling Championships kick off today, September 13, at Arena Zagreb, the Indian men’s freestyle squad stands poised to make a statement on the global stage.
With over 900 athletes vying for 30 gold medals across freestyle, women’s, and Greco-Roman categories, this nine-day event (running through September 21) serves as a critical litmus test for India’s wrestling resurgence. Fielding a full team in all ten men’s freestyle weight classes, India blends veteran grit with youthful promise, aiming to surpass recent modest hauls like the lone bronze from 2024 and signal readiness for future Olympics.
The squad, forged through rigorous national trials in Lucknow and New Delhi, features a mix of established stars and rising talents. Leading the charge is Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat at 57 kg, India’s youngest individual Olympic medalist and a former Asian champion. At 92 kg, Deepak Punia, a 2019 World silver medalist and Tokyo 2020 semifinalist, brings proven podium experience. Other notables include Sujeet Kalkal (65 kg), Jaideep Narwal (74 kg), Amit (79 kg), and Vicky (97 kg).
But the spotlight today falls on four key wrestlers in the qualification rounds: Rohit (70 kg), Mukul Dahiya (86 kg), Rajat Ruhal (125 kg), and Udit Gulia (61 kg). Their opening bouts, starting around 2:00 PM local time (with projected slots like 2:16 PM for Rohit), could define India’s early momentum in a sport where matches can end in seconds via pin or technical superiority.
Rohit vs. Begijon Kuldashev: A Weight-Class Gamble
At 70 kg, 23-year-old Rohit faces Uzbekistan’s Begijon Kuldashev in a matchup that tests adaptation. Rohit, a former national champion at 65 kg (where he’s ranked 88th by United World Wrestling), has shifted up a class a bold move that could amplify his speed but expose him to stronger foes. His 2025 record shows one loss, reflecting the adjustment pains. Kuldashev, also 23 and ranked 36th, is a 70 kg mainstay with a 2024 Senior Asian Championships silver and consistent international showings, including a 2025 fifth-place finish at the same event.
This clash pits Rohit’s agility against Kuldashev’s experience. As the favorite, the Uzbek will aim to dominate physically, but Rohit’s quickness could spark an upset. A win would validate India’s depth in mid-weights and boost Rohit’s confidence in his new division.
Mukul Dahiya vs. Zahid Valencia: Youth Meets Pedigree
In the 86 kg qualifier, 20-year-old Mukul Dahiya draws a daunting foe: America’s Zahid Valencia, the No. 4 seed. Dahiya, ranked 39th, embodies India’s youth pipeline with a 2023 U20 Asian gold and a 3-3 record this year. Transitioning from juniors, he’s raw but explosive, needing to harness his potential against elite seniors.
Valencia, 28, is a wrestling powerhouse: 2023 World bronze at 92 kg, two-time U.S. national and Pan American champion, and a two-time NCAA winner. His folkstyle roots fuel relentless offense and scrambling prowess. This is a David-vs.-Goliath scenario Dahiya’s upset potential lies in endurance and counterattacks, but Valencia’s maturity makes him the heavy favorite. Even a competitive loss could accelerate Dahiya’s growth, highlighting the steep senior-level curve.
Rajat Ruhal vs. Vlagyiszlav Bajcajev: Generational Heavyweight Showdown
The 125 kg bout features 20-year-old Rajat Ruhal against Hungary’s 35-year-old Vlagyiszlav Bajcajev, a battle of youth versus experience. Ruhal, unranked but promising, boasts 2023 U20 World bronze and 2024 U20 Asian bronze, showcasing natural heavyweight power honed in juniors. Bajcajev, ranked 14th, is a veteran tactician who recently jumped from 97 kg, where he claimed 2018 European gold and multiple medals (including 2023-24 bronzes). His move up trades speed for mass, relying on technique to outmaneuver bigger opponents.
Ruhal’s stamina and strength could overwhelm the elder statesman, but Bajcajev’s savvy might exploit any inexperience. This matchup underscores India’s investment in young heavyweights, with a Ruhal victory signaling a bright future in the division.
Udit Gulia: Poised for a Deep Run
At 61 kg, 20-year-old Udit Gulia enters the round of 16 against an undetermined opponent, but his No. 9 UWW ranking positions him advantageously. With back-to-back Asian silvers (2024 at 57 kg, 2025 at 61 kg) and a 5-4 2025 record, Gulia’s versatility shines. His balanced style aggressive yet defensive makes him a medal contender, likely dodging top seeds early. Regardless of the draw, Gulia’s form suggests he could advance far, adding to India’s tally.
India’s strategy emphasizes junior-to-senior transitions, with athletes like Dahiya, Ruhal, and Gulia testing global waters. Stars like Sehrawat and Punia anchor medal hopes, potentially elevating the team beyond recent bronzes. Challenges include adapting to diverse styles, as seen in these matchups, but consistent international exposure could bridge gaps.
As Zagreb unfolds, India’s performance will gauge its Olympic trajectory. With a talented core, the squad aims not just for medals but to prove its youth can dominate. Win or learn, these bouts mark the dawn of a new era for Indian wrestling.
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