Historic Achievement for Indian Women Wrestlers at World Championships

In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian wrestling, Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi have both reached the finals of the World Championships, marking the first time two Indian women will compete for gold at the same event. Kajal will face Ukraine's Anastasiya Alpyeyeva in the 76kg final, while Neelam takes on Japan's Yui Susaki in the 50kg category. Their success builds on the legacy of Anshu Malik, the first Indian woman to reach a World Championships final. With the potential for historic titles, both athletes are set to make their mark in the sport. Additionally, Rajnita is vying for bronze in the 65kg category, while other competitors faced challenges in their respective events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 23:50 IST

Indian Women Wrestlers Shine at World Championships

Astana, Kazakhstan - On October 27, Indian wrestling reached a significant milestone as Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi secured spots in the finals of the World Championships. This marks the first time two Indian women will compete for gold in the same championship edition.

Kajal is set to face Ukraine's Anastasiya Alpyeyeva for the title in the 76kg category, while Neelam will go up against Japan's Yui Susaki in the 50kg final. Their accomplishments build on the historic achievement of Anshu Malik, who became the first Indian woman to reach a World Championships final in 2021, earning a silver medal, as reported by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Sanjay Singh, President of WFI, expressed pride in having two Indian women in the finals, highlighting Kajal's remarkable comeback and Neelam's disciplined performance. He credited their success to the wrestlers, their coaches, and the support teams, wishing both athletes the best of luck in their gold medal pursuits.

At just 18, Kajal's journey to the senior level has been impressive, transitioning from two U20 world titles. In her senior World Championships debut, she made a stunning comeback from a 1-7 deficit to defeat Kyrgyzstan's Aiperi Medet Kyzy 10-7 in the semifinals, following earlier victories over Lithuania's Kamile Griskiene Gaucaite and Mongolia's Davaanasan Enkh Amar.

Neelam, aged 26, earned her place in the finals with a 7-3 semifinal victory against Kazakhstan's Zeinep Bayanova. She previously secured a 6-0 win against Belarus' Natallia Varakina and advanced through the quarterfinals after Russia's Elizaveta Smirnova withdrew due to injury.

Both finalists now have the chance to make history for Indian women's wrestling by claiming their first world title.

In other news, Rajnita is still in the running for a bronze medal in the 65kg category and will face Japan's Nana Ikehata in the repechage round. Her journey included an impressive 8-6 victory over 2024 world silver medallist Kateryna Zelenykh, although she faced a setback against Moldova's Irina Ringaci.

Neha Sharma was eliminated in the round of 16 in the 57kg category, and India's Greco-Roman team concluded their campaign without securing any medals.