Indian wrestlers delivered a stellar performance at the 2024 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, bringing home a total of six medals, including two golds, three silvers, and one bronze. The haul marks one of India’s best performances at the event, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in the sport.
The highlight of the tournament was the performance of Bajrang Punia, who successfully defended his world title in the 65 kg freestyle category. Bajrang, known for his tenacity and technique, faced tough competition from his rivals, but his experience and strategic acumen saw him through. In the final, he defeated Russia’s Magomedmurad Gadzhiev with a decisive 9-5 victory, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win back-to-back world titles.
Another gold for India came from Vinesh Phogat, who dominated the 53 kg women’s freestyle category. Vinesh, who has been in top form this season, breezed through the early rounds before facing Japan’s Mayu Mukaida in the final. The match was a closely contested affair, but Vinesh’s superior stamina and tactical nous gave her the edge, as she secured a 6-4 win to claim the gold.
In addition to the two golds, Indian wrestlers also secured three silver medals, with Deepak Punia (86 kg freestyle), Ravi Dahiya (57 kg freestyle), and Anshu Malik (57 kg women’s freestyle) all finishing as runners-up in their respective categories. The lone bronze came from Sakshi Malik in the 62 kg women’s freestyle category, who fought back from a semifinal defeat to win her medal match convincingly.
The Indian contingent’s performance in Belgrade has been widely praised, with Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stating, “This is a proud moment for Indian wrestling. Our wrestlers have shown great skill, determination, and resilience to compete at the highest level and bring glory to the nation. These medals are a testament to the hard work of the athletes, their coaches, and the support staff.”
The success in Belgrade is expected to give a significant boost to the wrestlers as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Games and the Paris Olympics. With several top wrestlers in peak form, India is emerging as a formidable force in the world of wrestling.
As the wrestlers return home, they will be celebrated as heroes, and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Indian wrestlers to aim for the highest accolades in the sport.
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