Sujeet Kalkal Blazes into Zagreb Ranking Series Final with Dominant 11–0 Rout

India’s rising wrestling star Sujeet Kalkal has delivered another statement performance on the international mat, storming into the final of the Zagreb Ranking Series with a ruthless 11–0 technical fall over American Joseph McKenna.

The emphatic victory not only underlined Sujeet’s red-hot form but also confirmed that the reigning U23 World Champion is rapidly transitioning into a serious force on the senior circuit.

Competing in one of the most competitive weight classes on the UWW calendar, Sujeet has looked a cut above in Zagreb. Against McKenna, a seasoned international wrestler with a strong reputation for defensive discipline, the Indian showed complete command from the opening exchange. Using relentless forward pressure, precise leg attacks and sharp turns in par terre, Sujeet piled on points at will, racing to a mercy-rule win without giving his opponent any breathing room.

The bout was effectively over within minutes. McKenna struggled to create any offence as Sujeet dictated the tempo, cut off angles and finished every opening with authority. An 11–0 technical fall at this level is rare, and it spoke volumes about both Sujeet’s physical preparedness and his growing tactical maturity.

A final against a proven Iranian

The victory sets up a blockbuster gold medal clash against Peyman Ali Nemati of Iran, a wrestler known for his explosive style and deep experience in high-pressure bouts. Iran has long been one of the global powerhouses of freestyle wrestling, and Nemati represents the very best of that system powerful in the tie-ups, dangerous on counterattacks, and extremely difficult to score on once he establishes control.

For Sujeet, the final is more than just another match. It is an opportunity to measure himself against elite Iranian opposition in a Ranking Series event, where points, prestige and Olympic-cycle momentum are all at stake. A win would not only add a major international title to his rapidly growing résumé, but also significantly boost his standing in the UWW rankings, which are now becoming increasingly important for Olympic qualification pathways.

What makes Sujeet’s run in Zagreb particularly impressive is how seamless his transition has been from age-group dominance to senior-level consistency. The U23 World Championship title that he claimed last year was a marker of potential; performances like this in ranking tournaments are proof that he is beginning to realise that potential on the sport’s biggest stages.

Sujeet’s surge comes at a critical time for Indian wrestling. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle now underway and qualification systems becoming more complex and unforgiving, every Ranking Series event carries added weight. Strong performances here can influence seeding, access to continental qualifiers, and ultimately the routes through which wrestlers can secure Olympic quotas.

In that context, Sujeet’s run to the final in Zagreb is not just a personal triumph it is a significant development for India’s long-term planning in his weight category. A wrestler who can consistently reach the business end of Ranking Series events against American, Iranian and European opposition gives India a valuable weapon in the global pecking order.

Mixed fortunes for the Indian contingent

While Sujeet stole the headlines, the Indian camp experienced contrasting fortunes elsewhere in Zagreb. At 70kg, Abhimanyu fell short in his semifinal against Iran’s Sina Khalili, a powerful and technically sound opponent. Despite a determined effort, Abhimanyu could not break through Khalili’s defence and was forced to settle for a bronze medal bout.

However, even reaching the semifinal in a Ranking Series event is a valuable outcome. Abhimanyu will now have the chance to step onto the podium, collect crucial ranking points, and gain more experience against top-tier international wrestlers all of which will matter as the Olympic cycle progresses.

Drama and controversy in another weight class

The Zagreb tournament has not been without controversy. In a highly debated bout between American star Austin DeSanto and Iran’s Momenijoujad, officiating decisions came under intense scrutiny. Late in the match, there appeared to be confusion over criteria and scoring, with DeSanto believing he had done enough to win. However, officials failed to account correctly for Iran’s four-point move, leading to widespread disagreement and frustration.

DeSanto had hit what many considered a spladle-type action, but the scoring sequence two points for Iran and one for a DeSanto reversal swung the outcome against the American. The confusion at the end left DeSanto visibly upset, highlighting ongoing concerns about consistency and clarity in international wrestling officiating.

Despite that setback, DeSanto ultimately emerged as the gold medallist at 61kg, finishing with three wins. Indian wrestler Aman also recorded three victories in the same category, but the head-to-head result between the two gave DeSanto the edge for gold.

Amid all the results, debates and shifting storylines, Sujeet Kalkal’s march into the final remains the defining Indian highlight of the Zagreb Ranking Series so far. His dominance over McKenna, his composure under pressure, and the confidence with which he has navigated a tough draw all point toward a wrestler who is ready for the next leap.

The gold medal bout against Peyman Ali Nemati now stands as a major test and a major opportunity.

Win or lose, Sujeet has already sent a clear message to the international wrestling community: the U23 world champion is no longer just a promising prospect. He is a serious contender, and his journey toward the top of the senior world has well and truly begun.