Indian wrestling may celebrate the U-23 worlds match
Indian wrestling's up-and-coming talent made a big impression at this week's under-23 World Championships in Tirana, Albania. Although India brought up nine medals, the two freestyle medals in the lighter-weight classes were encouraging.
India's depth was demonstrated when Chirag Chikara won the 57kg gold in a weight class whereas Aman Sehrawat took home the bronze at the Olympics in Paris. Given his track record of success in international competitions, Sujeet Kalkal's bronze in the 70 kg weight class is as remarkable.
For important competitions, Sujeet will drop to the Olympic weight of 65 kg, even though it is not an Olympic weight division. At the World Qualifiers, he almost missed qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in the 65kg weight class.
Sujeet's talent was highlighted by his medal in Albania, and he is now eager to establish himself in 65kg at prestigious competitions. Sujeet has built his wrestling around technical subtleties, in contrast to the majority of Indian wrestlers who focus on strength and stamina on the mat.
Through some outstanding age-group achievements and gold at the World Junior Championships and Asian Junior Championships, the 22-year-old has risen through the ranks at the international level. Sujeet overcame a 0–4 deficit to defeat Tajikistan’s Mustafa Akhmedov 13–4 in the U-23 worlds.
