Neha Shines with Gold at Budapest Wrestling Tournament
Neha's Triumph in Women's 59kg Category
File image of Aman Sehrawat(Photo: X)
Budapest, July 18: Former U17 World Champion Neha showcased her skills by winning the gold medal in the women’s 59kg category during the Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament 2026 held in Hungary on Friday.
Continuing her impressive performance in her first year on the senior circuit, Neha exhibited remarkable tactical skill under pressure, defeating Abigail E. Nette from the USA in the final match.
In a tightly contested battle, Neha managed to secure a 6-4 victory on points (VPO1), earning her place at the top of the podium and marking India's second gold medal of the tournament, following Aman Sehrawat's success on the opening day.
India's medal tally grew in the 62kg women's wrestling category, where the team earned both a silver and a bronze medal. Mansi reached the gold medal match against Canada's Ana P. Godinez Gonzalez but had to settle for silver due to an unfortunate injury during the bout.
In the same weight class, Savita delivered an impressive performance in the bronze medal match, decisively defeating Kazakhstan's Irina Kuznetsova with a score of 14-5.
With these three podium finishes, India's overall medal count has now reached eight, consisting of two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.
On Thursday night, Hansika Lamba, a former U23 World Championship silver medalist, also shone brightly, securing a silver medal in the women’s 55kg category at the same tournament.
Hansika demonstrated remarkable resilience on the mat, making a stunning comeback in the semifinals where she overturned a 2-7 deficit against Germany's Anastasia Blayvas, ultimately winning 10-7.
The competition will continue with the remaining women's wrestling categories and the commencement of the Greco-Roman division on Saturday.
In women's wrestling, India’s hopes will be led by Nishu (53kg), Neha Sharma (57kg), Deeksha Malik (72kg), and Priya (76kg). The national Greco-Roman team will kick off with Anil competing in the 72kg category, along with Rohit Bura and Kumar Sunil in the 87kg division.
Consolidated Medal Tally (Up to Day 3)
Women’s Wrestling
59kg: Neha- Gold
55kg: Hansika Lamba- Silver
62kg: Mansi- Silver
62kg: Savita- Bronze
Men’s Freestyle
57kg: Aman Sehrawat- Gold
61kg: Deepak- Bronze
65kg: Vishal Kaliraman- Bronze
125kg: Rajat Ruhal- Bronze
Total Medals Won So Far: 8 (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze)