New Delhi, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian wrestler Kajal Dhochak believes her historic silver medal at the World Wrestling Championships has brought her closer to the ultimate goal of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying she is now “100 per cent confident” of securing qualification.
The 18-year-old made an impressive senior-level debut at the championships in Kazakhstan, finishing runner-up in the 76kg category after a closely fought 6-8 defeat to Ukraine’s two-time European champion Anastasiya Alpyeyeva. Kajal, already a two-time U20 world champion, also became the first Indian woman wrestler to win a World Championships medal in a heavyweight category.
With Olympic qualification events scheduled for next year, Kajal said her performance had strengthened her belief in her ability to earn a place at the Los Angeles Games.
“After the way I fought my bouts at the World Championships, I am 100 per cent confident in myself that I will secure an Olympic qualification,” she said during a media interaction on Sunday.
Kajal revealed that she had previously defeated the opponents she faced at the championships, including Alpyeyeva. Reflecting on the final, she said she regretted becoming defensive in the closing moments when an attacking approach could have helped her win gold.
The Indian wrestler said her coaches had identified defence in the final stages of bouts as an area requiring improvement. She intends to maintain her attacking mindset throughout a contest rather than allowing opponents to take advantage towards the end.
The silver medal has also helped Kajal recover from the disappointment of missing out on selection for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, following a dramatic trials final.
She is now preparing for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships trials, Senior National Championships and Pro Wrestling League, before turning her attention to the senior Asian ranking events.
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