The U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 are set to kick off on August 17 in Samokov, Bulgaria, bringing together the brightest young wrestling talent from across the world.
Spread across eight days, the event will feature men’s freestyle (Aug 17–19), women’s wrestling (Aug 20–22), and Greco-Roman (Aug 23–24). For many wrestlers, this is more than just a youth competition it is a stage where future Olympic and senior world champions are forged. Past U20 medalists like Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Kyle Snyder, and India’s own Deepak Punia have gone on to achieve global glory. The 2025 edition in Samokov promises to be no different, as the sport’s rising stars battle for medals, national pride, and a place in wrestling history.
Samokov, with its compact arenas and passionate fan base, has long been associated with combat sports in Bulgaria. The U20 Worlds here will present wrestlers with not only elite opposition but also a charged atmosphere where every bout feels decisive. At this level, mental toughness and tactical sharpness often matter as much as raw strength. A single lapse in concentration can end medal hopes, while one inspired move can define a career.
India’s Men’s Freestyle Squad
India is sending a full 10-member squad in men’s freestyle, chosen after fiercely contested trials in Lucknow. The lineup reflects a balance of lightweight agility, middleweight tactical versatility, and heavyweight power.
- 57 kg – Sumit Malik
- 61 kg – Ajay Kapade
- 65 kg – Ashwani
- 70 kg – Sagar
- 74 kg – Parvinder Singh
- 79 kg – Amit
- 86 kg – Mukul Dahiya
- 92 kg – Sachin
- 97 kg – Vishal
- 125 kg – Jaspoorn Singh
The squad has trained under the guidance of national coaches with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Camps focused on explosive strength, situational drills, and high-intensity sparring, preparing wrestlers to handle the relentless pace of U20 bouts.
Key Indian Prospects in Focus
Amit (79 kg) – India’s strongest medal hope
The 79 kg weight class is shaping up to be one of India’s best chances at the Worlds. Defending champion Alp Arsalan Begenjov (Turkmenistan) has recently been beaten by two Indians Chander mohan and Amit in international competition. Amit’s ability to pin Begenjov earlier this season has made him a serious medal contender. His attacking transitions from defense and powerful leg attacks give him the tools to challenge the world’s best.
Parvinder Singh (74 kg) : Parvinder carries India’s middleweight hopes. Known for his aggressive double-leg shots and tireless work rate, he will need composure against Iran and USA’s specialists in this weight, but his Asian U20 experience should serve him well.
Sumit Malik (57 kg) & Ajay Kapade (61 kg) : In the lighter categories, where India traditionally produces strong contenders, Malik and Kapade will look to test themselves against Japan, USA, and Iran nations that dominate these divisions. Medal chances may be slim, but both wrestlers have the potential to cause upsets if they maintain tactical discipline.
Upper Weights (97 & 125 kg – Vishal & Jaspoorn Singh) : India’s heavyweights face a sterner test, with nations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan bringing technically sharp and physically dominant wrestlers. While a podium may be ambitious, experience at this level is crucial for these wrestlers to transition to senior competition.
India enters Samokov with confidence following their medal haul at the Asian U20 Greco-Roman Championships in Bishkek earlier this year, where Suraj struck gold in 60 kg. While freestyle is a different challenge, the performance highlighted India’s growing depth across styles. For freestyle in particular, Amit’s results against Begenjov have lifted morale within the squad. Coaches believe that if wrestlers stick to their strategies keeping tight defense and converting counter-attacks they can bring home multiple medals.
Global Powerhouses to Watch
While India carries hope, the global field is stacked with talent:
- United States: Defending men’s freestyle team champions with four returning medalists from last year. Their relentless attacking style and focus on high-scoring bouts make them dangerous across weight classes.
- Iran: Always a dominant force, especially in middleweights (74–86 kg). Iran’s depth and technical sharpness make them favorites in multiple categories.
- Georgia & Azerbaijan: Expect strong performances in heavier divisions (97 & 125 kg), where their wrestlers combine power with tactical precision.
- Japan: While their freestyle depth is not as strong as their women’s program, Japanese lightweights are technically refined and always in the medal hunt.
- Kazakhstan: Rising in heavyweight freestyle, looking to push young talents toward senior success.
Tournament Schedule (Men’s Freestyle Focus)
- August 17 – Qualification & early rounds (57, 65, 74, 86, 97 kg)
- August 18 – Qualification & early rounds (61, 70, 79, 92, 125 kg)
- August 19 – Semifinals & medal bouts across all freestyle categories
Each day will feature morning qualification rounds, afternoon semifinals, and prime-time medal matches in the evening, ensuring non-stop action.
India’s Medal Chances Realistic Outlook
- High Probability: Amit (79 kg) – Recent form makes him India’s best bet for a podium, potentially even gold.
- Outside Chances: Parvinder Singh (74 kg), Sumit Malik (57 kg) need to break through tough brackets but could surprise.
- Experience-Gaining: Heavyweights and some lighter categories may not medal this year, but the exposure is vital for their senior careers.
If India can notch at least one medal in freestyle most likely from Amit and a couple of wrestlers reach the semifinals, it would be considered a successful campaign given the global competition.
The U20 World Wrestling Championships are always a testing ground for future legends. For India, the 2025 edition in Samokov is about proving that its pipeline from U17 to U20 remains strong, and that its wrestlers can challenge the likes of USA, Iran, and Georgia on the mat. With Amit leading the charge at 79 kg, a balanced squad across divisions, and recent form boosting confidence, Indian fans have reason to be optimistic. Even one standout performance can inspire the entire contingent and cement India’s reputation as an emerging powerhouse in men’s freestyle wrestling.
As the mats are rolled out in Bulgaria, all eyes will be on the young grapplers who could well be the stars of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond. For India, Samokov 2025 is both a challenge and an opportunity a chance to announce its next generation of wrestling heroes.
