Indian Wrestlers Shine at 2026 Asian Championships with Silver and Bronze Medals
India's Success at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships
On Wednesday, Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The country secured a silver medal and two bronze medals, with Nitesh earning silver in the 97kg category, while Sachin Sahrawat (67kg) and Prince (82kg) brought home bronze medals. This achievement raised India's overall medal count to two silvers and three bronzes by the third day of the event, alongside two female wrestlers advancing to the bronze medal play-offs.
Highlights of Greco-Roman Wrestling
Nitesh was the center of attention for the Indian team as he reached the finals in the 97kg category, surpassing his previous performance. However, he faced defending champion Mohammadhadi Saravi and lost the final match with a score of 1-7.
Sachin Sahrawat initiated India's medal tally for the day by overcoming a 3-5 deficit in the second round to defeat Abdumalik Aminov from Uzbekistan 6-5 in the bronze medal match. His victory was marked by scoring two crucial points in the final minute.
Prince followed suit by securing another bronze medal for India, dominating Didar Amannazarov of Turkmenistan with a decisive 10-1 victory in the 82kg category.
Women's Wrestling Competitors
In the women's division, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) are set to compete for bronze medals after their semi-final losses. Hansika faced last year's silver medallist, Yuxuan Li from China, and lost 11-1, leading her to a bronze medal play-off against Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy.
Neha, on the other hand, battled against former Asian Champion Mengyu Xie of China but ended up losing 12-5. She will now compete against Bolortuya Khurelkhuu from Mongolia for a chance at bronze.
Additionally, Neelam has a potential opportunity for a bronze medal after reaching the Repechage round in the 50kg category, following her quarterfinal defeat to Japan's Yui Sasaki, who advanced to the finals. Neelam will face China's Ziqi Feng in the Repechage round on Thursday.