The Greco-Roman leg of the U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025, scheduled for August 23–24 in Samokov, Bulgaria, promises to be a high-intensity finale to the eight-day wrestling spectacle.
Traditionally dominated by Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, Greco-Roman wrestling remains one of the most challenging disciplines for India, but this year’s squad brings a glimmer of hope, particularly in the lighter weight categories. For Indian fans, the focus will be on whether the team can finally begin to carve its niche in a style where global powerhouses have reigned supreme for decades.
Leading India’s charge is Suraj in the 60kg category, a wrestler with pedigree and promise. A former U17 World Champion, Suraj has already proven his mettle at the youth level and now steps onto the U20 stage with confidence and maturity. His aggressive grip work and explosive throws make him a dangerous opponent, and recent training camps have sharpened his endurance and tactical awareness.
The challenge, however, will be navigating through a stacked bracket that includes European U20 Champion Aykhan Javadov of Azerbaijan and the highly rated Isaiah Cortez of the USA. If Suraj manages to stay composed and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, he has a genuine chance to push for a podium finish perhaps even India’s first-ever U20 Greco-Roman gold. Another standout name in the squad is Anil Mor at 55kg, who comes into Samokov on the back of his most successful year yet. After finishing 10th at the U20 Worlds last year, Anil has shown remarkable progress with a gold medal at the Mongolia Open and a bronze at the Budapest Ranking Series in 2024.
These results have not only boosted his confidence but also earned him recognition at the international level. His technical ability in par terre situations has improved significantly, giving him a more complete skill set. Anil will face a tough draw that could include reigning youth world champion Payam Ahmadi of Iran and Azerbaijan’s Turan Dashdamirov, but his recent form suggests he can hold his own against the very best. A medal here would underline his transformation into a serious Greco-Roman contender.
Beyond these two, India’s Greco-Roman lineup features fighters with promise but limited international exposure. Wrestlers like Gaurav (63kg), Anuj (67kg), Vinit (72kg), Aman (77kg), Prince (82kg), Rohit (87kg), Naman (97kg), and Uttam Rana (130kg) will be tested by the sheer depth of competition. While podium finishes for these athletes may be a long shot, the experience of competing against the best junior Greco specialists from Iran, Georgia, and Eastern Europe will be invaluable for their long-term development. Coaches have emphasized that the aim this year is not only about winning medals but also about bridging the technical gap with the world’s best in a style where India has historically struggled.
Globally, the battle for Greco-Roman supremacy is expected to be intense. Iran, aiming for its sixth consecutive team title, will arrive with another formidable squad, particularly in the middleweight categories where they have excelled in recent years. Azerbaijan and Georgia remain perennial threats with their blend of tactical brilliance and raw power, while Türkiye and Ukraine bring deep rosters brimming with young talent. Against such competition, India’s realistic target is modest one or two medals but achieving that would represent a major milestone in the country’s Greco-Roman journey.
The Indian coaching staff, however, remains optimistic. They believe the combination of Suraj’s youthful fearlessness and Anil’s recent breakthrough results could finally help India step onto the U20 Greco-Roman medal table. If either of them manages to reach the final stages, it would not only mark personal triumphs but also serve as inspiration for a new generation of Indian wrestlers to embrace Greco-Roman more seriously. With women’s wrestling and freestyle already producing world champions for India, a breakthrough in Greco would complete the circle and underline the nation’s growing wrestling ecosystem.
As the lights go up in Samokov for the final two days of the U20 Worlds, all eyes will be on the mats where throws, lifts, and clinch battles decide destinies. For India, the task is steep, but the opportunity is historic. A medal from Suraj or Anil Mor could become the defining story of India’s campaign in Bulgaria, and perhaps the spark that ignites a stronger Greco-Roman movement back home.
