India continued its strong performance at the U23 Asian Championships on January 31, secured three gold medals at the Tien Son Sport Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Mansi Lather dominated the 68kg final with a 14-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Firuza Esenbaeva. Kajal followed with a 10-0 win against Kyrgyzstan’s Aizharkyn Zhanybekova in the 76kg final, while Greco-Roman wrestler Sumit claimed the 63kg title by defeating Uzbekistan’s Ozodbek Khalilboev 12-2.
In addition to these gold medals, the Indian team earned two silver and three bronze medals. Sweety narrowly lost the final 5-7 to Vietnam’s Ngoc L. Do, securing silver, and Neha was beaten 9-5 by Uzbekistan’s Laylokhon Sobirova in the 59kg final, earning the second silver.
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh praised the wrestlers, stating, “Our young wrestlers have done us exceptionally proud today with their phenomenal performances on the mat. Winning gold and adding so many medals at a prestigious continental event shows the depth, determination, and discipline of Indian wrestling. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mansi, Kajal, Sumit, Sweety, Neha, Ahilya, Neeraj, and Rohit for their medals. Their hard work has paid off, and I hope the rest of the team continues this positive momentum in the upcoming bouts.”
Ahilya S. Shinde secured bronze with a 13-2 win over Kyrgyzstan’s Arruke Kadyrbek Kyzy. Neeraj Patel demonstrated strong technique in the 55kg Greco-Roman category, defeating Kazakhstan’s Rauan Bekimov 8-0 to earn bronze. Rohit Bura concluded his 87kg bronze medal match with a 9-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan’s Artykbek Alymbek Uulu.