Haryana Dominates U17 National Wrestling Championships 2026 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The U17 National Wrestling Championships 2026 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar saw Haryana excel in Women's Wrestling and Freestyle, while SSCB led in Greco-Roman. With over 600 competitors, the event highlighted the depth of talent in Indian wrestling and served as a crucial platform for identifying future stars. Notable performances included multiple golds for Haryana and significant wins from states like Kerala and Telangana. This championship is vital for nurturing young athletes and preparing them for international competitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 02:11 IST

Haryana's Triumph at U17 National Wrestling Championships

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: The U17 National Wrestling Championships 2026 showcased Haryana's prowess as they clinched the top spots in both Women’s Wrestling and Freestyle categories, while the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) excelled in Greco-Roman wrestling. The event, which took place from April 28 to April 30, gathered over 600 of the nation’s finest young wrestlers, marking a significant milestone in the development of wrestling in India.

Haryana dominated the Women’s Wrestling segment, amassing 215 points, and also secured the Freestyle title with 205 points. SSCB led the Greco-Roman category with a total of 136 points. This championship plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing talent for future international competitions, including the upcoming U17 World Championships.

Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), expressed his congratulations to all participating teams and athletes, highlighting the championship's role in showcasing the depth of talent within the country’s wrestling framework.

The WFI's efforts to prevent age manipulation and ensure fair competition were evident, as a diverse range of states produced medal winners, indicating a more equitable landscape in the sport. Kerala notably achieved a remarkable victory in the 71 kg category against a competitor from Delhi, while Telangana, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir also made their mark among the medalists.

In the Women’s Wrestling events, Kasturi Sahadev from Maharashtra took gold in the 40 kg category, with Haryana's Diksha, Rohini, and Nikita winning in the 43 kg, 46 kg, and 49 kg categories, respectively. Haryana's strength was further demonstrated with multiple golds from Sakshi (57 kg), Manisha (61 kg), Taniya (69 kg), and Garima (73 kg). Other champions included Akshara from Delhi in 53 kg and Srushti from Maharashtra in 65 kg.

The Freestyle events mirrored Haryana's dominance, with gold medals claimed by Abhinav (45 kg), Sahil (55 kg), Anuj (71 kg), and Arush Rana (110 kg). Other notable winners included Aaryan from Uttar Pradesh in 48 kg, Pranav Sudhir Ghare from SSCB in 51 kg, Anurag from Delhi in 60 kg, Pawan from Maharashtra in 65 kg, Lakshay Thakran from Delhi in 80 kg, and Deepanshu Dahiya from Delhi in 92 kg.

In the Greco-Roman category, SSCB's consistent performance across various weight classes led them to victory. Gold medalists included Sumit Kumar (45 kg), Yash Kashinath Kamanna (48 kg), Dhiraj Shashikant Daphale (51 kg), Prathmesh Suryakant Patil (55 kg), and Krishnraj Ingve (60 kg), along with Kunal Dagar (Delhi), Parnam Singh (Punjab), Gourav (Maharashtra), Hamananth Vital Kempanna (Karnataka), and Rudra (Maharashtra).

The U17 National Championships remain a pivotal event in India's wrestling landscape, providing a structured environment for scouting and developing young talent. With ongoing exposure and competition, this event is crucial for building a strong foundation for future international achievements, especially with significant global competitions approaching.