Astana, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian women’s wrestling scripted history on Tuesday as Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi reached the finals of the World Championships, becoming the first two Indian women to compete for gold at the same edition of the tournament.
Kajal will take on Ukraine’s Anastasiya Alpyeyeva in the 76kg final, while Neelam will face Japan’s Yui Susaki in the 50kg title clash. Their achievement builds on the breakthrough made by Anshu Malik in 2021, when she became the first Indian woman to reach a World Championships final and went on to win silver.
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh hailed the achievement as a proud moment for Indian wrestling, praising both athletes for their performances.
“Having two Indian women in the World Championships finals is a proud moment for Indian wrestling. Kajal’s comeback showed tremendous belief and courage, while Neelam’s performance reflected her preparation and composure. Their success is a credit to the wrestlers, their coaches and everyone supporting them. We wish both athletes the very best as they compete for gold,” Singh said.
Eighteen-year-old Kajal, making her senior World Championships debut, produced a remarkable comeback in the 76kg semifinals. Trailing 1-7, she fought back to defeat Kyrgyzstan’s Aiperi Medet Kyzy 10-7 and secure her place in the final. The Indian wrestler had earlier defeated Lithuania’s Kamile Griskiene Gaucaite and Mongolia’s Davaanasan Enkh Amar.
Kajal’s run to the final marks another significant milestone following her two U20 world titles and underlines her successful transition to the senior level.
Neelam, 26, booked her place in the 50kg final with a convincing 7-3 semifinal victory over Kazakhstan’s Zeinep Bayanova. Earlier, she defeated Belarus’ Natallia Varakina 6-0 before advancing through the quarterfinals after Russia’s Elizaveta Smirnova withdrew due to injury.
With both wrestlers now one victory away from gold, India has an opportunity to turn the historic double final appearance into two world titles.
Elsewhere, Rajnita remained in contention for a bronze medal in the 65kg category. She will face Japan’s Nana Ikehata in the repechage round. Rajnita had earlier registered an 8-6 victory over 2024 world silver medallist Kateryna Zelenykh before losing to Moldova’s Irina Ringaci.
Neha Sharma’s campaign in the 57kg category ended in the round of 16, while India’s Greco-Roman wrestlers concluded their campaign without a medal.
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