As the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Athens entered the freestyle phase, all eyes were on the marquee 110kg category.
In a draw stacked with continental champions, India’s Lacky produced an inspired run, defeating Iran’s Amirhossein Naghdalipour in the semifinal by fall (15-7) to book his place in the gold medal match.
It’s a significant breakthrough for the Indian contingent, which had drawn a blank in freestyle last year. This result ensures India opens its medal account in freestyle at this edition restoring belief that Indian youth wrestling remains a force across all three disciplines.
Early Morning Action: Punia Dominates at 65kg
India’s day began with Asian U17 champion Gourav Punia at 65kg stepping onto the mat against China’s Changxin Wu. Displaying clinical technique, Punia launched a big four-point throw and followed it up with multiple exposures to close the bout 11-0 via technical superiority.
In his next match, Punia faced Japan’s Kodai Iwasaki. Again, the Indian displayed the same dominance collecting five takedowns to register another 10-0 technical superiority win and advance into the quarterfinals.
The stage was set for a thrilling showdown in the last eight against Pan-Am U17 champion Arseni Kikinou (USA). The match lived up to expectations. Punia attempted an early leg attack, only for Kikinou to counter and roll him for two points. Punia’s reversal made it 3-1 to Kikinou at the break. In the second period, Punia scored on exposure, equalizing at 3-3 and briefly taking criteria advantage. However, Kikinou managed to put Punia in danger during the same scramble, making it 5-3 in his favor. Despite Kikinou being cautioned later for fleeing, the American held on for a narrow 5-4 win, ending Punia’s spirited run.
Lacky’s Path to the Final at 110kg
In the blue-ribbon 110kg freestyle class, India’s Lacky a reigning Asian U17 champion looked formidable from the outset. His opening bout against Japan’s Hanto Hayashi showcased his power and technique: a series of gut-wrench rolls saw him win 10-0 via technical superiority.
In the quarterfinals, Lacky faced European U17 champion Magomedrasul Omarov (UWW team) and Iran’s Amirhossein Naghdalipour, both considered among the “big three” in this weight class. Lacky, Omarov, and Naghdalipour each won their respective quarterfinals to reach the semis, setting up high-profile clashes.
In the semifinal, Lacky’s opponent was Naghdalipour. In a gripping contest, the Indian wrestler demonstrated a blend of explosive attacks and tactical awareness. He eventually prevailed by fall, sealing a commanding 15-7 victory. This semifinal win not only sent Lacky into the final but also gave India its first freestyle finalist and medal at these championships.
Other Indian Results
At 55kg, Jaiveer Singh began against Greyton Burnett (USA), who had earlier defeated Armen Papikyan (ARM) 3-2. Against Singh, Burnett’s solid defense proved decisive. Singh struggled to find openings as Burnett managed a controlled 3-0 win, ending Singh’s campaign. At 65kg, Punia’s early brilliance contrasted with the heartbreak of his narrow quarterfinal loss. The Indian’s aggressive style earned admiration, but Kikinou’s experience and counter-wrestling carried him through.
Notable International Highlights
Elsewhere, the day saw several thrilling finishes and high-quality bouts:
- At 55kg, Japan’s Jinnosuke Okonogi stunned Zhakshylyk Borobaev (KGZ) in the dying seconds. Trailing 8-7, Okonogi scored a takedown and turned Borobaev for two more points, winning 9-8 in dramatic style.
- At 80kg, the USA’s Aaron Stewart bulldozed Marshall Everett Jones (GBR) 11-0 via technical superiority, while Issa Zangiev (UWW) edged out Nihad Suleymanli (AZE) 7-5 in a last-second reversal.
- At 110kg, Magomedrasul Omarov (UWW) opened with an 11-0 win over Yu Chiao Chuang (TPE) after multiple medical breaks due to Chuang’s bleeding.
- In another notable 110kg quarterfinal, Naghdalipour (IRI) outlasted Turkey’s Zekeriya Dogan 6-2 in a match dominated by stepouts and cautious wrestling.
India Breaks Freestyle Drought
Lacky’s semifinal triumph carries special significance. Last year, India’s freestyle contingent failed to win a single medal at the U17 Worlds a rare disappointment for a country traditionally strong in freestyle. Lacky’s run ensures at least a silver medal this year, signaling a welcome return to form. His performance is also notable for its balance of power and smart defense: a quality that bodes well not only for the final but also for his transition to higher age groups.
Lacky now faces Magomedrasul Omarov (UWW) in the final. The Indian wrestler will carry the momentum of a dominant semifinal win and the confidence of an unbeaten day. For the rest of the Indian freestyle team, the challenge is to build on this positive start. While Punia’s narrow loss and Jaiveer Singh’s early exit highlight areas to improve, the team’s spirit and aggressive approach remain promising signs.
As day one of freestyle at the U17 World Championships wraps up, India can celebrate a breakthrough. Lacky’s run to the 110kg final ensures the tricolor will once again be represented on the podium a moment made sweeter after last year’s struggles. It’s a reminder that Indian wrestling, fueled by its rising generation, continues to script new stories on the global stage. With more bouts to come, Indian fans will hope this is just the beginning of a memorable campaign in Athens.
📸 Images courtesy: UWW
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