India’s wrestling talent once again shone brightly as Chirag Chikkara clinched the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 57 kg category at the 2024 U23 World Wrestling Championships. His thrilling 4-3 win over Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan made him only the third Indian to achieve this prestigious title. Chikkara’s victory has propelled India to a major milestone at the championships, bringing home an impressive total of nine medals across various categories.
Chirag Chikkara’s Historic Victory in Men’s Freestyle 57kg
Chirag Chikkara’s achievement is a landmark in Indian wrestling history, as he joins an elite group of wrestlers who have won gold at the U23 World Wrestling Championships. His narrow win in the final seconds against Karachov showcased his resilience and skill, earning him the title as only the second male Indian wrestler to win gold in the U23 Championships, following Aman Sehrawat’s achievement in 2022.
Chikkara’s journey to the gold was marked by victories over top contenders:
- Pre-quarters: Defeated Japan’s Gaukoto Ozawa 6-1.
- Quarterfinals: Secured a 12-2 win over Iunus Iavbatirov.
- Semifinals: Dominated Allan Oralbek with an 8-0 scoreline.
India’s Medal Tally and Team Ranking
India finished the U23 World Wrestling Championships with a remarkable total of nine medals:
- Gold: 1 (Chirag Chikkara in Men’s Freestyle 57kg)
- Silver: 2
- Bronze: 6
With an overall score of 82 points, India placed fourth in the team rankings, trailing behind Iran (158), Japan (102), and Azerbaijan (100).
Highlights of Indian Wrestlers’ Notable Matches
Apart from Chikkara’s gold, other Indian wrestlers showcased exceptional performances in their categories, securing medals and enhancing India’s overall position at the championships:
- Vicky (Men’s 97kg Freestyle): Clinched a bronze with a decisive 7-2 win over Ivan Prymachenko.
- Sujeet Kalkal (Men’s 70kg Freestyle): Made an impressive comeback from a 0-4 deficit to defeat Mustafo Akhmedov 13-4, securing a bronze medal.
- Vishvajit More (Men’s 55kg Greco-Roman): Claimed a bronze in his category, rounding off the men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman achievements for India.
Indian Women’s Wrestling Team Achievements
The Indian women’s wrestling team also delivered a commendable performance, contributing four medals to India’s overall tally:
- Silver Medal: Anjli, competing in the 59kg category.
- Bronze Medals: Neha Sharma (57kg), Shiksha (65kg), and Monika (68kg) all took home bronze medals, adding to India’s success at the championships.
India’s Progress at U23 World Wrestling Championships
The U23 World Wrestling Championships has become a crucial platform for emerging Indian wrestlers to gain international recognition. Over the years, Indian wrestlers have gradually increased their medal haul, with this year marking one of India’s best performances to date.
Earlier, Ravi Kumar Dahiya earned a silver in the U23 World Championships in 2018, while India bagged four medals in last year’s championships, including one gold and three bronze medals. Chikkara’s gold in 2024 is a testament to India’s evolving dominance in the wrestling world and highlights the growth of wrestling talent from India on the international stage.
Key Takeaways from India’s Success at U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024
India’s performance at the U23 World Wrestling Championships is a testament to the rising standards of Indian wrestling. Chikkara’s achievement, alongside the strong showing from both the men’s and women’s teams, highlights several important aspects:
- Increased Investment in Training and Infrastructure: India’s wrestling ecosystem has seen major improvements in terms of facilities and training programs, allowing wrestlers to compete more effectively at the international level.
- Emerging Stars in Wrestling: The 2024 championships have brought fresh talent to the spotlight, indicating a promising future for Indian wrestling.
- Focus on Women’s Wrestling: The women’s team’s strong performance underscores the growing emphasis on women’s wrestling in India and the potential for future international achievements.
Chirag Chikkara’s gold medal at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024 stands as a historic moment for Indian wrestling, inspiring the next generation of wrestlers. With nine medals and a fourth-place team ranking, India has once again proven its potential to compete with the best in the world. The combined efforts of the men’s and women’s teams reflect the robust development of wrestling talent in India, paving the way for future accomplishments on the global stage.