India celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Asian Games by witnessing two men’s freestyle wrestlers securing gold medals for the first time in 48 years. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal played pivotal roles in this success at the event held in Nagoya, contributing to a total of six wrestling medals for India. Their victories not only brought a sense of pride but also revitalised the nation’s wrestling legacy.

Aman Sehrawat triumphed in the men’s 57kg final on Saturday, overcoming the reigning world champion, Chong Song Han from North Korea, with a score of 11-7. His performance transformed his previous bronze at the Hangzhou Games into gold, marking a significant milestone for Indian wrestling. Sujeet Kalkal had already set the stage a day prior with his victory in the 65kg category.

With their victories, India earned two gold medals, two silvers, and two bronze medals in wrestling, marking a notable improvement compared to the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where the wrestling team did not secure any golds. This year stands out as one of India’s strongest showings in wrestling at the continental level.

Aman Sehrawat’s Dramatic Final

Aman faced an intense battle against Han from the outset, as the North Korean utilized strategic holds to complicate the match. After struggling initially, Aman managed to score his first points, shifting the momentum in his favour. He quickly increased his lead to 6-1 before Han, recovering from an injury, reversed fortunes to lead 7-6. Remaining composed, Aman executed two crucial takedowns, regaining the lead and moving closer to victory.

Han’s challenge for the final point awarded to Aman was unsuccessful, ensuring a decisive 11-7 win for the Indian contender. Previously, Aman had secured his spot in the final by defeating Aiaal Belolyubskii of Tajikistan and Nurdanat Aitanov from Kazakhstan. The 23-year-old wrestler has added an Asian Games gold to his accolades, which include an Olympic bronze from Paris 2024, reaffirming his status as one of the leading grapplers in his weight class.

Sujeet Kalkal’s Resilient Performance

Sujeet Kalkal’s journey at the Asian Games commenced with a stunning comeback in the 65kg final. Trailing 2-9 against Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev, he rallied to score eight consecutive points, ultimately claiming a 10-9 victory. His ability to adapt and strategise against a physically imposing opponent showcased his skills and determination. Through this victory, Sujeet earned India its first gold in men’s freestyle wrestling at these Games, solidifying his place among the elite in the 65kg category.

This achievement adds another feather to his cap in a year marked by significant milestones. India’s medals included silver from Nitesh Siwach in men’s Greco-Roman 97kg and Antim Panghal in women’s 53kg. Nitesh’s participation in the final represented a historic moment, being the first Indian to contest a standalone Greco-Roman final at the Asian Games.

Setbacks and Recoveries in Other Categories

Despite notable achievements, some competitors faced challenges. Sagar Jaglan advanced to the quarter-finals in men’s 74kg but was ultimately defeated by technical superiority. He did, however, manage to fight back through the repechage, only to miss out on a bronze medal. Manisha Bhanwala faced a similar fate in the women’s 57kg class, winning her opening match but succumbing to Olympic champion Akari Fujinami.

With this outcome, she too was unable to continue in the competition. Despite these challenges, India’s wrestling campaign this year has left a significant mark, particularly with the two gold medals in men’s freestyle, a feat not witnessed since 1978. The performances of Aman and Sujeet stand as a testament to the evolving strength and potential of Indian wrestling on the continental stage.

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