The U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 in Samokov, Bulgaria, is set to be a landmark event for women’s wrestling.
Over three days (August 20–22), the brightest young stars will battle it out in what is often considered the most exciting segment of the U20s. Women’s wrestling at this level has consistently produced future Olympic champions, with countries like Japan, USA, China, and India shaping the sport’s next generation. For India, the women’s squad has historically been its strongest at the U20s. After a breakthrough in past editions, capped by Antim Panghal’s world titles and Priya Malik’s consistency, expectations are higher than ever in 2025.
Why Samokov 2025 Will Be Crucial for Women’s Wrestling
- Global depth: Women’s wrestling has grown rapidly, with more nations producing medal contenders.
- Return of past medalists: 17 U20 women’s medalists from last year are back, including 3 defending champions.
- Showcase for Paris 2028 prospects: Several wrestlers here will likely feature in the next Olympic cycle.
For India, this is the opportunity to consolidate its reputation as a global women’s wrestling powerhouse, alongside Japan and USA.
India’s Squad Women’s Wrestling (2025)
- 50 kg – Shruti
- 53 kg – Saarika
- 55 kg – Reena
- 57 kg – Tapsya
- 59 kg – Neha
- 62 kg – Anjali
- 65 kg – Mansi Bhadana
- 68 kg – Srishti
- 72 kg – Kajal
- 76 kg – Priya
This squad blends defending champions, continental medalists, and exciting debutants, making it one of India’s most balanced U20 women’s teams in recent years.
Indian Contenders to Watch
76 kg – Priya Malik
- 2023 U20 World Champion, 2-time U17 World Champion.
- Recently won Asian U23 gold and Ranking Series silver.
- Clear gold medal contender and a marquee name in Samokov.
- Likely clash: Ayano Moro (JPN), her old rival.
Medal Probability: VERY HIGH
55 kg – Reena
- Multiple-time Asian U20 & U23 Champion.
- Bronze at 2023 U20 & U23 Worlds.
- Extremely consistent at age-group level.
- Field includes Byambasuren (MGL) and So Tsutsui (JPN).
Medal Probability: VERY HIGH
62 kg – Anjali
- 2024 Asian U20 Champion.
- World U23 silver medalist (2023).
- Known for sharp double-leg attacks and strong mat control.
- Faces threats from Azerbaijan’s Ruzanna Mammadova and Canada’s Annika Fines.
Medal Probability: VERY HIGH
59 kg – Neha
- 2023 U20 Bronze medalist (at 57kg), now at 59kg.
- Gold at Mongolia Open + silver at Budapest Ranking Series in 2024.
- Key rival: Sakura Onishi (JPN, reigning champ).
Medal Probability: HIGH.
72 kg – Kajal
- 2024 Asian U20 Champion.
- Silver medalist at U17 Worlds & Asians.
- Big-frame wrestler with upper-body strength, dangerous in par terre.
- Toughest rival: Jasmine Robinson (USA, defending champ).
Medal Probability: HIGH
68 kg – Srishti
- 2023 U20 World Bronze medalist.
- Bronze at 2024 Asian U20s.
- Repeat podium possible, but must beat Ray Hoshino (JPN, reigning champ).
57 kg – Tapsya
- 2024 Asian U20 Champion.
- Fast, counter-attacking style.
- Faces the toughest rival in Sowaka Uchida (JPN, defending champ).
53 kg – Saarika
- 2024 Asian U20 Champion.
- Still untested at World level.
- Pool includes Japan’s Natsumi Masuda and strong Europeans.
65 kg – Mansi Bhadana
- Strong domestic performer.
- First World-level outing.
- Enters as a dark horse.
50 kg – Shruti
- Quick and aggressive but untested internationally.
- Very competitive field with Ayaka Kimura (JPN) the favorite.
Global Favourite to Watch
- Japan – Still the gold standard, with multiple defending champions. Sowaka Uchida (57kg) and Ayaka Kimura (50kg) headline their charge.
- USA – Jasmine Robinson (72kg) leads a powerful middleweight lineup.
- China – Emerging force with Olympic-focus athletes in 53kg & 62kg.
- Mongolia & Azerbaijan – Strong contenders in 55kg, 62kg categories.
Medal Outlook – India in Women’s Wrestling
- Gold Contenders: Priya (76kg), Reena (55kg), Anjali (62kg).
- Strong Podium Probables: Neha (59kg), Kajal (72kg), Srishti (68kg).
- Outside Chances: Tapsya (57kg), Saarika (53kg).
- Developmental Cases: Shruti (50kg), Mansi (65kg).
Overall, India is realistically positioned to win 5–7 medals, with 2–3 possible golds, making them a top-2 team contender in women’s wrestling alongside Japan. The Indian women’s squad for the U20 World Championships 2025 is one of the strongest in its history, carrying a mix of reigning world champions, continental title holders, and rising stars. If they execute their preparation and handle the high-pressure bouts well, India can once again underline why women’s wrestling remains its most reliable medal stream at the junior level.
