The Indian women’s contingent at the World U17 Wrestling Championships delivered a remarkable show of skill and dominance, as four wrestlers Kajal (73kg), Moni (57kg), Ashvini Vishnoi (65kg), and Rachana (43kg) powered into the semifinals after emphatic wins in their respective categories.
While Komal Verma (49kg) fell short against a tough American opponent, the day was marked by India’s commanding performances and quick victories.
Here’s a closer look at how each Indian wrestler fared, their last match results, and the confirmed semifinal matchups:
43kg: Confident run by Rachana
India’s campaign in the 43kg weight category was led by Rachana, a former World U17 silver medalist who opened her day with a powerful display. In her first bout, Rachana pinned Mariza Nasu (CAN), asserting complete control on the mat and finishing the match inside the opening minutes .
She followed that win with another dominant display, defeating Mareim Abdelaal (EGY) by technical superiority, 13-2. Using her trademark aggression and technical precision, Rachana secured points from multiple takedowns and exposures to enter the semifinals.
49kg: Tough draw for Komal Verma
At 49kg, Komal Verma, who had displayed promise earlier, faced a difficult challenge in the quarterfinals against Morgan Turner (USA), the reigning World U17 champion. Turner showcased her technical superiority, catching Komal in a lace and executing successive turns to win by technical superiority, 10-0. Despite Komal’s best efforts, Turner’s experience proved decisive, and Komal missed out on a semifinal spot.
57kg: Lightning-fast fall from Moni
India’s Asian U17 champion Moni dominated the 57kg category in style. In her opening match, Moni overcame Marta Mankowska (POL) with a composed 5-1 win, using controlled takedowns and defensive solidity.
Credit UWW
But her quarterfinal performance stole the spotlight: Moni needed just 15 seconds to pin Oana Dumitru (ROU), demonstrating explosive speed and technique to enter the semifinals.
65kg: Ashvini Vishnoi’s flawless campaign
Two-time Asian U17 champion Ashvini Vishnoi had an equally spectacular day at 65kg. She opened her campaign by overwhelming Selsabil Rouabah (ALG), using a series of lace turns to secure a win in just 46 seconds.
In the quarterfinals, Ashvini continued her strong form, pinning Anujin Erkhembaatar (MGL) after a sequence of takedowns. Her aggressive approach and quick finishes ensured minimal time on the mat and a smooth entry into the semifinals.
73kg: Kajal shows why she’s world champion
Kajal, India’s reigning World U17 champion (69kg last year), moved up to the 73kg weight class and proved her class throughout the day. In her first bout, she pinned Bianka Barany Almasi (HUN) in just 25 seconds, courtesy of a double-leg attack that left her opponent with no answer.
She carried that momentum into the quarterfinals, defeating Claudia Mantog (ROU) by fall after building a massive 12-0 lead with dominant offense.
In the semifinals, Kajal will face Pan-American champion Ella Jo Poalillo (USA), who advanced after pinning Anna Godelashvili (GEO). This sets up a highly anticipated clash between two age-group world champions.
Summary: Dominance and opportunity
With four semifinalists across five weight categories, India’s women wrestlers have shown their strength and depth at this World U17 Championships. Quick pins from Kajal, Ashvini, and Moni reflect not just technical skill but also confidence and preparation.
While Komal Verma (49kg) bowed out against a strong American rival, the day overall has kept India firmly in contention for multiple medals.
The semifinals promise to test India’s best against elite global opponents including the marquee clash of Kajal vs Poalillo but after such commanding performances, the “Blue Tigresses” can look ahead with optimism and belief.
