Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has lit up the mats at the Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial in Hungary, delivering one of the most dominant and memorable campaigns by an Indian grappler at an international Ranking Series event in recent years.
Competing in the fiercely contested 65kg freestyle category, Sujeet stormed into the finals with back-to-back victories over high-profile and higher-ranked opponents, underlining his status as one of India’s brightest wrestling talents.
A start to remember: stunning the Paris Olympic medalist
Sujeet’s statement of intent came right from the opening round, where he faced Islam Dudaev of Albania a Paris Olympic bronze medallist and widely regarded as one of Europe’s best in this weight class. What could have been an uphill battle turned into a showcase of technical mastery and control by Sujeet.
The 22-year-old Indian overwhelmed Dudaev, securing a spectacular 11-0 win by technical superiority (VSU). It wasn’t just the scoreline that stood out; it was the composure, pace, and aggressive transitions Sujeet displayed against an opponent of proven international pedigree.

Few could have predicted such a dominant performance against a recent Olympic medallist, and it immediately made Sujeet a wrestler to watch in Budapest.
Quarterfinal brilliance: dismantling European silver medallist
Buoyed by the big opening win, Sujeet carried his momentum into the quarterfinal, facing Arsamerzouv of France, a European silver medallist. Once again, Sujeet made quick work of the challenge, winning 11-0 by technical superiority.
His wrestling style in this bout was marked by a blend of swift leg attacks, relentless pressure, and near-flawless defence. Against a continental medallist, Sujeet looked in complete control, showing that his win over Dudaev was no fluke but part of a consistent high-level performance.
Into the semifinals: a composed victory
In the semifinal, Sujeet was up against Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia, another decorated wrestler with medals at the European Championships and World level experience. Tevanyan, known for his defensive resilience and counter-attacking skill, posed a different test.
Sujeet, however, rose to the occasion with measured aggression and tactical maturity. Controlling the tempo of the bout, he secured a 6-1 victory, ensuring a spot in the final of the Budapest Ranking Series. What stood out in this match was Sujeet’s ability to adapt he did not rush, patiently waited for openings, and countered effectively when needed.
With this victory, Sujeet not only advanced to the title clash but further cemented his growing reputation as a wrestler who can beat Europe’s elite across different styles of play.
A breakout moment for Sujeet Kalkal
For Indian wrestling followers, Sujeet’s run in Budapest feels like more than just a series of wins; it marks the emergence of a consistent international performer. Sujeet has long been seen as a promising name, already having a U23 World bronze and two Asian gold medals in his resume. But victories over Olympic and European medallists on a Ranking Series stage signal his readiness to transition from prospect to podium regular at the senior level.
Ranking Series events are crucial in the build-up to World Championships and other major competitions, both for valuable ranking points and for testing oneself against the world’s best. Sujeet’s ability to dominate and adapt in Budapest shows he’s now operating on a level where medals on the biggest stages are realistic goals, not just dreams.
India’s presence at the Budapest Ranking Series
The Budapest Ranking Series, formally known as the Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial, is the fourth and final Ranking Series event of the season. India has fielded a 22-member contingent, reflecting the country’s growing depth and ambition in wrestling.
Sujeet’s run to the final is undoubtedly the highlight so far for the Indian team. His aggressive yet controlled style has won plaudits not just from Indian fans but also from international wrestling circles watching the tournament.
With the final bout set to decide the champion in the 65kg category, all eyes will be on Sujeet to see if he can cap off this remarkable campaign with gold. Regardless of the outcome, his journey in Budapest is already a statement: Indian wrestling is producing athletes capable of beating Olympic medallists and European champions back-to-back.
For Sujeet himself, this tournament could be the springboard to even greater success, including upcoming World Championships and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His performances so far show not only technical excellence but also mental strength staying calm against big names and delivering under pressure.
Conclusion: a star in the making
Sujeet Kalkal’s run at the Budapest Ranking Series is a reminder of what makes wrestling such a captivating sport: talent, grit, and the ability to rise to the occasion. His victories over Islam Dudaev, Arsamerzouv, and Vazgen Tevanyan show he’s not just part of the draw; he’s a contender.
In a tournament stacked with world-class talent, Sujeet has emerged as one of the most compelling stories a young Indian wrestler beating some of Europe’s best and earning his place in the final.
As the final bout approaches, Indian wrestling fans can celebrate what’s already been a breakthrough moment. Sujeet Kalkal is not just the future of Indian wrestling he is making history right now.
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