Indian Wrestlers Shine at 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships

India's Medal Success in Bishkek

New Delhi [India], April 8: At the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers achieved remarkable success, securing one silver and two bronze medals on Wednesday. Nitesh earned a silver in the 97kg category, while Sachin Sahrawat (67kg) and Prince (82kg) both claimed bronze medals.

With these three medals, India's overall tally now stands at two silvers and three bronzes after the third day of competition. Additionally, two female wrestlers have advanced to the bronze medal play-offs, as reported in an official release.

All eyes were on Nitesh, who had already surpassed his previous performance by reaching the finals in the 97kg category. The 23-year-old faced off against defending champion Mohammadhadi Saravi but unfortunately lost the final match with a score of 1-7.

Sachin Sahrawat kicked off India's medal haul on Wednesday, overcoming a 3-5 deficit in the second round to secure a narrow 6-5 victory against Uzbekistan's Abdumalik Aminov in the bronze medal match for the 67kg Greco-Roman category. After defeating Ji Leng from China in the Repechage round, Sachin scored crucial points in the final minute to clinch the win.

Prince followed suit by winning the second bronze medal of the day, dominating Didar Amannazarov of Turkmenistan with a decisive 10-1 victory in the 82kg Greco-Roman event.

In the women's wrestling segment, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) are set to compete for bronze medals after their semi-final losses. Hansika faced last edition's silver medalist, Yuxuan Li of China, and lost 11-1, setting up a bronze medal match against Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy.

Neha, who battled against former Asian Champion Mengyu Xie of China, also fell short with a score of 12-5. She will now compete against Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhuu for a chance at bronze. Additionally, Neelam has an opportunity to vie for bronze after reaching the Repechage round in the 50kg category, following her quarterfinal defeat to Japan's Yui Sasaki, who advanced to the finals.

Neelam is scheduled to face China's Ziqi Feng in the Repechage round on Thursday.