The Asian Wrestling Championships 2024, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, saw a remarkable performance from India’s young wrestler, Udit. The 19-year-old grappler clinched the first silver medal for India in the men’s 57kg category.
Udit, the Young Prodigy with a resounding result at the Asian Wrestling Championship
Udit, the U20 Asian champion, showcased his skills and determination throughout the tournament. He defeated Ebrahim Mahdi Khari of Iran 10-8 in the qualification round and Kyrgyzstan’s Almaz Smanbekov 6-4 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he triumphed over Kim Kum Hyok from the Democratic Republic of Korea with a close score of 4-3.
Despite his commendable performance, Udit fell short in the final bout against Japan’s Kento Yumiya. The match was a testament to the high level of competition and the immense pressure that comes with such prestigious tournaments.
Udit’s silver medal is significant as it continues India’s successful streak in the 57kg category at the Asian Championships. India had previously won four Asian titles in a row in this category through Olympic silver medalists Ravi (2020, 2021, 2022) and Aman (2023).
In addition to Udit’s silver, India also bagged two bronze medals on the opening day of the competition. Abhimanyou in the men’s 70kg category and Vicky in the men’s 97kg category added to India’s medal tally.
Our star wrestlers showcased their mettle at the Asian Wrestling Championship 🇰🇬, securing a total of 3️⃣ medals on day 1️⃣.
Here are the results:
FS 57 Kg – Udit 🥈
FS 70 Kg – Abhimanyu 🥉
FS 97 Kg – Vicky 🥉Congratulations to all the medal winners! Well played champs! pic.twitter.com/a88pNOJGWL
— Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare (@Assam_DSYW) April 12, 2024
Abhimany0u, who lost the bronze medal at the World Championships last year, secured his first major international medal with a 6-5 win over Begijon Kuldashev of Uzbekistan in the bronze medal match while Vicky Chahar clinched the final medal of the day with a comfortable 10-1 victory over home favourite Andrey Aronov in the men’s 97 kg Bronze medal match.
On the other hand, Rohit (65 Kg) finished with a heartbreaking fifth-place finish after a close (3-5) defeat to Masanosuke Ono of Japan in his bronze medal match. The remaining five Indian men’s freestyle wrestlers will be in action on the second day of the competition on Friday.
Also Read: Indian contingent made an early exit at the Badminton Asia Championship
