Asian Wrestling C'ships 2026: Nitesh bags silver; Sachin Sahrawat, Prince add two bronze to India's tally
New Delhi, April 8
Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers added a silver and two bronze medals to the country's tally at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Wednesday with Nitesh bagging the silver medal in the 97kg category while Sachin Sahrawat and Prince clinching the bronze medals.
The three medals on Wednesday took India's overall medal tally to two silver and three bronze medals on the third day of competition, with two women wrestlers securing a spot in the bronze medal play-offs, according to a release.
All eyes of the Indian contingent on Wednesday were on Nitesh, who had already improved on his last edition's showing by reaching the final of the 97kg category. The 23-year-old was up against defending champion Mohammadhadi Saravi and could not weave the same magic that saw him reach the finals as he went down 1-7 in the final bout.
Earlier, Sachin Sahrawat opened India's medal account on Wednesday when he fought back from a 3-5 deficit in the second round to beat Abdumalik Aminov of Uzbekistan 6-5 in the 67kg Greco-Roman bronze medal match. Sachin, who had defeated China's Ji Leng in the Repechage round to make it to the bronze medal play-off, scored two points in the last minute with a take down and got one for the Uzbek wrestler, losing his challenge to claim victory.
Prince then added the second bronze medal of the day to India's kitty when he registered a dominant 10-1 win over Didar Amannazarov of Turkmenistan in the 82kg Greco-Roman.
In the women's wrestling competition, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) will be challenging for the bronze medal after losing their respective semi-finals. Hansika went down against the last edition silver medallist, Yuxuan Li of China, 11-1 in the semi-finals and will now face Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy in the bronze medal play-off.
Later, Neha came up against former Asian Champion Mengyu Xie of China, and despite her spirited effort, ended on the wrong side of the 12-5 score-line. She will now face Bolortuya Khurelkhuu of Mongolia for the bronze medal. Neelam could also have a shot at the bronze medal after she made it to the Repechage round in the 50kg category, after Japan's Yui Sasaki, who defeated the Indian in the quarterfinals, reached the summit clash.
Neelam will now face China's Ziqi Feng in the Repechage round on Thursday.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of Sachin Sahrawat for that comeback win! Fighting back from a deficit shows real champion mentality. Prince's dominant 10-1 victory was also fantastic. These young athletes are making the country proud.
While the medals are welcome, we need to be honest. Losing to China in multiple categories is a pattern. Our wrestling federation must invest more in specialized coaching and exposure trips to close this gap. The talent is there, but we need better preparation.
Wonderful news to start the day with! Hats off to the entire contingent. The women wrestlers still have a shot at medals tomorrow. Let's all send them our positive energy. #CheerForIndia
Greco-Roman is such a tough discipline. To win medals here against Central Asian powerhouses is no small feat. Bishkek is a tough venue. Well done, boys! Hope the women bring home more bronze tomorrow. Jai Hind!
Heartbreaking for Nitesh in the final, but silver at the Asian level is brilliant! He's only 23, he has many years ahead. The experience of fighting a defending champion in the final will be invaluable. Onwards and upwards! 💪
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