India Unveils U-17 Wrestling Team for World Championships in Azerbaijan

The Wrestling Federation of India has announced the U-17 wrestling squad for the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 27 to August 2, 2026. Following rigorous selection trials, the team aims to continue India's legacy in junior wrestling, building on past successes. WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh expressed confidence in the squad's potential to achieve remarkable results. The women's team, having won consecutive titles, seeks to secure a historic three-peat. The article details the selected wrestlers across various weight categories and highlights the competitive trials that led to their selection.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2026, 19:11 IST

Announcement of the Indian Wrestling Squad

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has officially revealed the Indian team for the upcoming U-17 World Wrestling Championships, scheduled to occur in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 27 to August 2, 2026. The final team selection was confirmed after rigorous national trials held in Sonipat and Lucknow, aimed at identifying the most talented young wrestlers to represent India on an international platform.

Goals for the Upcoming Championships

The Indian team is set to travel to Baku with the ambition of continuing the nation's impressive legacy in junior wrestling. Following two successful international outings at the U-17 World Wrestling Championships, where the Women's Wrestling team excelled in the last two editions, the squad aims to uphold India's reputation as a formidable force in the sport.

WFI President's Remarks on Selection Process

WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh commented on the selection process, stating, "The trials have highlighted the remarkable depth of talent within our junior wrestling framework. By implementing a fair and competitive selection process, we have pinpointed the finest young athletes in the country. I am optimistic that this well-prepared squad will achieve remarkable success and bring honor to India in Baku."

Highlights from the Selection Trials

During the Women's Wrestling trials, Haryana wrestlers demonstrated exceptional skills, winning six out of ten weight categories. Notable performances came from Diksha (43kg) and Garima (73kg). The Delhi team secured two spots with Kamna Babal (49kg) and Akshara (53kg), while Maharashtra's Rohini Khanu Devba (36-40kg) and Rajasthan's Sandhya (46kg) completed the initial squad.

In the Men's Freestyle category, Haryana's Satinder (60kg) and Arush Rana (110kg) emerged victorious in their divisions. Uttar Pradesh also secured two weight classes with Aaryan (48kg) and Deepanshu Khokhar (80kg), while individual wrestlers from Maharashtra, Delhi, and SSCB claimed one category each.

The Greco-Roman trials were dominated by Maharashtra athletes, who took five top positions, including Sachin Shirole (45kg) and Rajvardhan Patil (92kg). Uttar Pradesh added two more spots, with Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana each securing one top finish to finalize the national team ahead of their journey to Azerbaijan.

Aiming for a Historic Three-Peat

In 2024, the women's team made history in Amman by winning their first overall team title with an impressive 185 points, achieving five golds, one silver, and two bronzes. They successfully defended their title last year in Athens, showcasing a remarkable national performance with nine total medals across various categories (four golds, four silvers, and one bronze). With significant momentum, the 2026 squad is determined to secure a historic three-peat and retain the Champion Trophy in India.

Indian Wrestling Squad & Trial Results - U-17 World Championships 2026

Women's Wrestling (WW)

- 36-40 kg: 1st: Rohini Khanu Devba (MAH) | 2nd: Vanshika (HAR)

- 43 kg: 1st: Diksha (HAR)

- 46 kg: 1st: Sandhya (RAJ) | 2nd: Tanishka (HAR)

- 49 kg: 1st: Kamna Babal (DEL)

- 53 kg: 1st: Akshara (DEL) | 2nd: Riya Nagar (UP)

- 57 kg: 1st: Nikita Sehrawat (HAR) | 2nd: Manya Rajput (DEL)

- 61 kg: 1st: Avanshika (HAR) | 2nd: Srushti (MAH)

- 65 kg: 1st: Antra (HAR) | 2nd: Lisa (HAR)

- 69 kg: 1st: Taniya (HAR) | 2nd: Nishu (HAR)

- 73 kg: 1st: Garima (HAR)

Men's Freestyle (FS)

- 45 kg: 1st: Hanumant Rajendra (MAH) | 2nd: Sahil (HAR)

- 48 kg: 1st: Aaryan (UP) | 2nd: Udit (HAR)

- 51 kg: 1st: Govind (DEL) | 2nd: Mukesh Yadav (UP)

- 55 kg: 1st: Prathmesh (SSCB) | 2nd: Dhanraj (SSCB)

- 60 kg: 1st: Satinder (HAR) | 2nd: Jatin Sharma (HAR)

- 65 kg: 1st: Krishan (HAR) | 2nd: Pavan Dhagude (MAH)

- 71 kg: 1st: Anuj (HAR) | 2nd: Sachin (HAR)

- 80 kg: 1st: Deepanshu Khokhar (UP) | 2nd: Lakshay Thakran (DEL)

- 92 kg: 1st: Saksham (HAR) | 2nd: Abhimanyu (HAR)

- 110 kg: 1st: Arush Rana (HAR) | 2nd: Prince Kaliraman (DEL)

Greco-Roman (GR)

- 45 kg: 1st: Sachin Shirole (MAH) | 2nd: Keshav (HAR)

- 48 kg: 1st: Avinash Chetak (MAH) | 2nd: Arjun (HAR)

- 51 kg: 1st: Dhiraj Dhapale (MAH) | 2nd: Yash Kamnna (MAH)

- 55 kg: 1st: Hariom (UP) | 2nd: Yogesh (HAR)

- 60 kg: 1st: Darpan Chaudhari (MAH) | 2nd: Dilawar Singh (HAR)

- 65 kg: 1st: Kunal Dagar (DEL) | 2nd: Surya (RAJ)

- 71 kg: 1st: Pranam Singh (PUB) | 2nd: Sameer (HAR)

- 80 kg: 1st: Suraj Sharma (UP) | 2nd: Hitesh (HAR)

- 92 kg: 1st: Rajvardhan Patil (MAH) | 2nd: Anuj Yadav (UP)

- 110 kg: 1st: Harsh Dalal (HAR) | 2nd: Rudra Niman (MAH).