India’s Young Wrestlers Shine at the 2026 U17 World Championships
India’s freestyle wrestling team wrapped up a successful outing at the 2026 U17 World Championships held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event was marked by an exciting gold medal win that harked back to the glory days of Indian wrestling. By the end of the competition, India’s medal tally in women’s wrestling and men’s freestyle reached an impressive total of 13 medals.
The standout performer of the championships was 17-year-old Sitender Malik, who competed in the 60kg weight class. Defending his U17 world title from last year, Sitender faced Russia’s Sergei Karmrian in a gripping final match. With a calm and calculated approach, he emerged victorious with a 3-1 score, securing his gold medal.
This achievement is particularly special for Sitender, making him only the second Indian male wrestler to win two U17/Cadet World titles. His success echoes the early accomplishments of Indian wrestling legend Sushil Kumar, who achieved similar triumphs in 1998 and 1999. Sitender’s victory has sparked excitement among fans and athletes alike across India.
In the 45kg category, Hanumant Rajendra Jadhav displayed remarkable skill and agility during his bronze medal match. The talented wrestler from Maharashtra took control over Iran’s Mahdi Davoud Damercheli, winning decisively with a score of 7-1.
To add to the medal count, Saksham FNU also fought hard in the 92kg bronze medal match. Facing another Iranian wrestler, Mohammad Reza Behrang Isazadeh, Saksham showed great defensive strength and narrowly secured a 3-2 victory, taking home the bronze medal.
With the conclusion of the men’s freestyle events, the 2026 U17 World Championships have officially come to a close, celebrating the promising future of Indian wrestling.
