WFI fields full-strength 30-member squad led by top national champions for U23 Asian Championships
New Delhi, May 22
The Wrestling Federation of India today announced the departure of a full-strength, 30-member Indian contingent featuring exactly 10 athletes each in Men's Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women's Wrestling for the United World Wrestling U23 Asian Championships.
Spearheaded by top national selection trial champions such as Sujeet (65kg Freestyle) and Rohit Bura (87kg Greco-Roman), the formidable squad heads to the Tien Son Sport Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam, ready to dominate the continental stage from May 23 to June 1, 2026, as per a press release from WFI.
Showcasing the immense depth of India's domestic talent pool, the women's challenge is led by a stellar lineup of first-place trial finishers who are primed for the international mat: Sweety (50kg), Muskan (53kg), Ahilya Shinde (55kg), Tapsya (57kg), Neha (59kg), Bhagyashree (62kg), Pulkit (65kg), Mansi Lather (68kg), Amruta (72kg), and Kajal (76kg). Standout national champions Sumit (60kg), Rohit (97kg), and Hardeep (130kg) bolster the Greco-Roman offensive alongside Rohit Bura (87kg).
Completing the comprehensive roster, the Men's Freestyle team features a dominant lineup of premier contenders including Deepak (61kg), Sujeet (65kg), Abhimanyu (70kg), Sandeep Mann (74kg), Chandramohan (79kg), Mukul Dahiya (86kg), Vicky (97kg), and Dinesh (125kg). Following rigorous national trials and highly specialised training camps, the entire contingent is tactically prepared to execute and mount a dominant challenge for the team championships across all styles.
Extending his best wishes to the departing squad, Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), stated: "I wish all our athletes the very best as they step onto the mat in Vietnam. They have trained exceptionally hard, and this tournament is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their skills, gain vital international experience, and make the nation proud. We are confident in their preparation and stand completely behind them."
The Federation anticipates a highly successful and medal-rich campaign in Da Nang. The WFI will provide daily technical updates and official results as our athletes progress through their respective tournament brackets over the ten-day event.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a full-strength squad going to U23 championships! The women's team especially looks stacked – Mansi Lather and Kajal in heavier weights can definitely bring home medals. But we need to improve our Greco-Roman performances too. Let's hope the federation provides better international exposure for these youngsters.
Love seeing names like Rohit Bura and Deepak in the squad. But I'm a little worried about the lack of competitive tournaments before this – just national trials and camps. Our wrestlers need more foreign exposure to match up against Kazakhs and Iranians who are always strong in U23 categories. Still, best of luck to the entire contingent!
Impressive depth in women's wrestling! Ten athletes across all weight classes shows India's rising strength in this sport. The WFI seems to be doing good work at the grassroots. Hope the government continues to invest in wrestling infrastructure in rural areas. Best wishes from Canada! 🍁
Good squad selection but I hope the federation has sorted out internal politics. Wrestling in India has so much potential but we keep seeing controversies. Let the athletes focus on their game. Sujeet in 65kg and Vicky in 97kg are my picks for gold. Jai Hind! 🥇
So proud of these young wrestlers! Especially the women – Sweety, Muskan, Tapsya, Bhagyashree... they are the future of Indian wrestling. But I wish the federation would also focus on weight management and nutrition support for these athletes. Many of them come from humble backgrounds and need proper backing. Still, let's cheer for them! 🎉
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