The Indian women wrestling contingent has scripted a remarkable chapter at the ongoing championships in Astana. Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi successfully advanced to the gold medal matches, ensuring that two female athletes from the country will contend for world titles in the same edition of this prestigious tournament for the very first time.
Thrilling Semi-Final Encounters
Action on the mats in Astana witnessed stellar performances from the national competitors. Eighteen-year-old Kajal, competing in the 76kg division, staged a brilliant comeback in her semi-final against Kyrgyzstan's experienced opponent Aiperi Medet Kyzy, winning 10-7. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Neelam secured her place in the 50kg final by defeating Kazakhstan's Zhanyp Bayanova 7-3.
Challenging Gold Medal Bouts
Having reached the summit clashes, both athletes face formidable opponents ahead. Neelam is scheduled to face legendary Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki for the title. Kajal will square off against Ukraine's Anastasiia Alpyeyeva. Prior to this event, Anshu Malik stood as the only Indian female wrestler to reach a world championship final, having claimed a silver medal in 2021.
Early Rounds and Determined Paths
Participating in her maiden senior world championship, the two-time U20 world champion Kajal displayed immense resilience. Despite trailing 1-7 in the opening period, she maintained her composure to secure victory, later dropping to the mat in an emotional celebration. Earlier in the day, she overcame Lithuania's Kamile Griskiene Gaukaite by fall and defeated Mongolia's Davaasaran Enkh Amar 9-2.
Neelam began her campaign by blanking Belarus' Natallia Varakina 6-0 in the pre-quarterfinals. She advanced to the semi-finals after top-seeded Russian wrestler Elizaveta Smirnova withdrew from their quarter-final due to injury.
Performances in Other Categories
In the 65kg weight class, Ranjeeta pulled off a major upset by defeating 2024 world championship silver medalist Kateryna Zelenykh of Ukraine 8-6 in the qualification round. Although she subsequently lost to Moldova's Irina Ringachi, she remains in medal contention through the repechage, where she will face Japan's Nana Ikehata. In the 57kg division, Neha Sharma defeated Algeria's Achouak Jamila Tekouk 4-2 before bowing out against Belarus' Iryna Kurachkina. The Greco-Roman squad had a difficult outing, with only Lalit reaching the medal rounds.
