Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan erupted in cheers as Indian wrestlers Sujeet and Abhimanyu scripted a golden double at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. Their triumphs in men’s freestyle finals not only added two golds to India’s impressive 14-medal collection but also highlighted the depth of talent in the nation’s wrestling stable.
Sujeet, the reigning world U-23 champion, etched his name in history in the 65kg freestyle final. Facing a tough challenge from Uzbekistan’s Umidzhan Jalolov, he absorbed early pressure before unleashing a barrage of attacks in the second round, clinching an 8-1 victory. This gold makes him the second Indian ever in this category, following Bajrang Punia’s 2019 feat.
Abhimanyu followed suit in the 70kg division, representing the CISF with pride. Down 0-2 against Mongolia’s Tulga Tumur Ochir, the 24-year-old’s tactical brilliance flipped the script, ending with a 5-3 win that sent waves of excitement through the Indian contingent.
While Sandeep Mann narrowly missed out on a third gold, losing 1-2 in the 79kg final, Ankush’s 8-2 bronze-medal win over Japan’s Fuga Sasaki in 57kg kept the momentum alive. India’s current haul stands at 2 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze.
Excitement builds for the concluding day, featuring Aman – the Paris Olympic bronze winner – in 61kg freestyle final, and Mukul Dahiya in 86kg after his semifinal heroics: trailing early but storming back 12-6 against Kazakhstan’s Bolt Sakayev via key takedowns. His gold bout is against Iran’s powerhouse Kamran Ghasempour. In 125kg, Dinesh eyes bronze post a semifinal fall to Bahrain’s Shamil Sharipov.
These performances underscore India’s rising prowess, blending youth, experience, and unyielding spirit on the Asian mat.
