Baku, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India ended their campaign at the 2026 U17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on a high note, securing a total of 13 medals across men’s freestyle and women’s wrestling events.
The highlight of India’s performance was Sitender Malik’s successful title defence in the men’s freestyle 60kg category. The 17-year-old wrestler defeated Russia’s Sergei Karmrian 3-1 in a closely contested final to retain the U17 world championship crown he won in 2025.
With the victory, Sitender became only the second Indian male freestyle wrestler to win two U17/Cadet World titles. He matched the early achievement of two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who had won consecutive Cadet World titles in 1998 and 1999.
India added three more medals on the final day of competition. In the 45kg category, Maharashtra wrestler Hanumant Rajendra Jadhav produced a dominant display in the bronze medal bout, defeating Iran’s Mahdi Davoud Damercheli 7-1.
Saksham FNU also claimed bronze in the 92kg category after edging Iran’s Mohammad Reza Behrang Isazadeh 3-2 in a tense contest. His defensive performance in the closing moments helped him secure the victory.
In the men’s freestyle section, India finished with six medals, including one gold, one silver and four bronze medals. Sitender (60kg) won gold, while Aaryan (48kg) claimed silver. Hanumant Rajendra Jadhav (45kg), Prathamesh Suryakanth Patil (55kg), Saksham FNU (92kg) and Arush Rana (110kg) secured bronze medals.
The women’s wrestling team also made a strong contribution, winning seven medals. Sandhya Vishnoi (46kg), Akshara (53kg) and Nikita Sehrawat (57kg) won silver medals, while Kamna Babal (49kg), Avanshika (61kg), Taniya (69kg) and Garima (73kg) claimed bronze.
The conclusion of the men’s freestyle events marked the end of India’s successful campaign at the 2026 U17 World Championships, with the young wrestlers delivering one of the country’s strongest medal performances at the tournament.
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