2026 IIS Dangal Championship Concludes with Stellar Performances

The 2026 IIS Dangal Championship concluded successfully, featuring impressive performances from U23 World Championship medallists Nishu and Yash, who both secured gold medals in their weight categories. The event attracted over 300 entries, showcasing the growing popularity of wrestling in India. With substantial prize money awarded and a vibrant atmosphere at the venue, the championship served as a key platform for emerging talent. Organizers emphasized the importance of such events in nurturing future stars in the sport. Full results from the championship highlight the competitive spirit and skill of the participants.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 11:47 IST

Championship Highlights

The 2026 IIS Dangal Championship wrapped up successfully, showcasing remarkable talent as U23 World Championship medallists Nishu and Yash clinched gold in their respective weight classes.

Record Participation

Hosted by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), this year's championship saw an impressive turnout, featuring over 300 entries and around 240 competitors across nine categories at the Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Multipurpose Hall, Giri Centre, CCS HAU, Hisar.

Wrestlers' Achievements

Nishu, a 53 kg wrestler who recently earned a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia, dominated her matches to secure the gold medal. Similarly, Yash, competing in the 74 kg freestyle category for the Delhi state team, showcased his strength and skill to emerge victorious.

Prize Money

In addition to their titles, both wrestlers received substantial cash prizes, with Nishu awarded Rs 31,000 and Yash receiving Rs 51,000.

Winners' Reflections

Yash expressed his excitement, stating, 'It was a fantastic opportunity to compete against high-caliber opponents. Winning a title is always rewarding, and I hope more events like this are organized for wrestlers to enhance their skills.'

Growth of the Championship

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the second edition welcomed participants from across India, with nearly 20% of entries coming from outside Haryana, indicating the championship's expanding influence.

Participation Breakdown

Approximately 250 entries were recorded in men's categories, while women's categories saw over 50 entries. Notable competitors from the IIS included Kajal (+62 kg), Suraj (60 kg Greco-Roman, U17 World gold medallist), and Sumit Malik (57 kg freestyle, U20 World bronze medallist).

Event Format and Talent Scouting

The championship was held in a single day, utilizing three mats simultaneously to maximize engagement for athletes and spectators alike. The venue was filled with enthusiastic fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event.

IIS Women's Coach Kosei Akaishi and High-Performance Director Gary Hall attended to scout emerging talent. The IIS Dangal Championship aims to serve as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing promising wrestlers by exposing them to senior-level competition.

Weight Categories and Titles

Senior Freestyle (FS)

• 57 kg: IIS Weight Title • 74 kg: IIS Veer Title • +74 kg: IIS Yodha Title

Senior Greco-Roman (GR)

• 60 kg: IIS Weight Title • 77 kg: IIS Veer Title • +77 kg: IIS Yodha Title

Senior Women's Wrestling (WW)

• 53 kg: IIS Weight Title • 62 kg: IIS Veer Title • +62 kg: IIS Yodha Title

Organizers' Insights

Satya Prakash, Head of Operations at SAI-IIS Hisar Centre, remarked, 'The IIS Dangal Championship provided an excellent platform for emerging stars. Despite challenges in organizing the event due to our elite athletes being in a national camp, we saw it as an opportunity for the next generation to experience high-quality competition.'

Gary Hall, High Performance Director at IIS, added, 'It's wonderful to be in Hisar. This Dangal offers young wrestlers a chance to test their skills and strive for excellence. The level of participation is encouraging, and we invite all wrestlers to join future competitions.'

Full Results: IIS Dangal Championship 2026

Seniors - Freestyle

57 KG Gold: Satender (HAR) Silver: Rohit (HAR) Bronze: Sahil Vijender (HAR) Bronze: Sahil Devendar (HAR)

74 KG Gold: Yash (DEL) - IIS Silver: Ankit Jasmer (HAR) Bronze: Sahil Suresh (HAR) Bronze: Mangal (HAR)

125 KG Gold: Rohit (HAR) Silver: Deepak (HAR) Bronze: Arjun (HAR) Bronze: Sachin (HAR)

Seniors - Greco-Roman

60 KG Gold: Suraj (HAR) Silver: Kuldeep (HAR) Bronze: Rupin (HAR) Bronze: Himanshu (HAR)

77 KG Gold: Vikas (HAR) Silver: Sachin Kumar (HAR) Bronze: Surajmal (HAR) Bronze: Dheeraj (HAR)

130 KG Gold: Vipin (DEL) Silver: Nishanth (HAR) Bronze: Joginder (HAR) Bronze: Pardeep (HAR)

Seniors - Women's Wrestling

53 KG Gold: Nishu (HAR) - IIS Silver: Swati (UP) Bronze: Saarika (HAR) Bronze: Nancy (DEL)

62 KG Gold: Anjali (HAR) Silver: Kajal (HAR) Bronze: Tannu (UKD) Bronze: Sakshi (HAR)

76 KG Gold: Chanchal (HAR) Silver: Priyanka (HAR) Bronze: Manju (HAR) Bronze: Mansi (HAR).