From 2-9 Deficit to 10-9 Triumph: Kalakal's Nail‑Biting Final Victory

The men’s freestyle 65 kg final at the Asian Games 2026 turned into a thriller when Sujoy Kalakal found himself down 2‑9 against Tajikistan’s Abdulmajid Kudyiev. With the championship hanging in the balance, Kalakal mounted a relentless assault, scoring eight consecutive points in the last seconds of the match.

His comeback was driven by a blend of technique and determination. Kalakal executed precise takedowns, shoulder throws and well‑timed push‑outs, forcing the referee to award points for technical superiority. Each move chipped away at Kudyiev’s lead until the scoreboard read 10‑9 in favour of the Indian wrestler.

The victory marked a historic moment for Indian wrestling, delivering the nation’s first gold medal in the sport at the 2026 Asian Games. Kalakal’s performance will be remembered for its dramatic swing, reflecting both his mental fortitude and his mastery of freestyle wrestling strategies.

Beyond the final, Kalakal’s path included a dominant quarter‑final win by technical superiority and a tightly contested semi‑final against Japan’s Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyoka, which he won on criteria after a 3‑3 draw. The gold‑medal triumph cements his status as one of India’s rising wrestling stars.