Indian Wrestlers Shine at Asian Games 2026: Sujeet Kalkal Claims Gold, Dipanshi Falls Short

Dipanshi's Bronze Medal Bid Ends

The Asian Games journey for Indian wrestler Dipanshi concluded on Friday as she faced a defeat against Kazakhstan's Zeinep Bayanova in the women's 50kg freestyle bronze medal match, with a score of 4-11. The bout began cautiously, but Dipanshi managed to score first by executing a successful throw, earning two points. Bayanova quickly countered, scoring two points herself after gaining control over Dipanshi. A yellow card was issued to Dipanshi for taking too long to recover, which allowed Bayanova to capitalize and score additional points. After requiring medical assistance, Dipanshi returned to the mat but was pushed out by Bayanova, who added another point to her tally. Although Dipanshi managed to score again, bringing the score to 4-7, Bayanova ultimately secured the victory with a decisive four-point move, concluding Dipanshi's campaign.

Sujeet Kalkal's Historic Gold Medal Victory

In a remarkable turn of events, Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal achieved a historic gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, triumphing over Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the men's freestyle 65kg final held in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday. Despite trailing 2-9 with just a minute and 40 seconds remaining, Sujeet executed a series of takedowns that shifted the momentum in his favor. He clinched the gold medal with only eleven seconds left on the clock. This victory marks India's first gold in wrestling at the Asian Games since Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat's wins during the Jakarta-Palembang edition in 2018.