India’s challenge ends at World Wrestling Championships after another disappointing day for the country’s Greco-Roman wrestlers, with all three in action on Saturday bowing out early. The eliminations of Sunny Kumar (63kg), Anil (67kg), and Karan Kamboj (87kg) capped off a poor campaign for India at this year’s edition. Despite flashes of promise earlier in the tournament, none of the male wrestlers managed to progress beyond the opening rounds.
Greco-Roman Wrestlers Struggle Again
India’s Greco-Roman contingent continued to struggle against top international competition. Sunny Kumar lost 1-3 to Aref Hosseinkhoun Mohammadi in the 63kg category, while Anil failed to score a single point in his 0-7 defeat to Qatar’s Gagik M Snjoyan during the 1/16 round. Karan Kamboj, competing in the 87kg class, suffered a loss by technical superiority to American Payton Jacobson in the qualification round.
Earlier Highlights: Suraj Vashishth Shows Promise
Among India’s few bright spots, Suraj Vashishth (60kg) reached the quarterfinals, showcasing potential for future success. His progress stood out in an otherwise underwhelming performance from the men’s Greco-Roman team. Wrestling experts noted that while India’s freestyle and women’s divisions have improved significantly in recent years, the Greco-Roman discipline continues to lag behind in global competitiveness.
Antim Panghal Shines as India’s Lone Medalist
In contrast to the men’s struggles, Antim Panghal delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 53kg weight class, earning India’s only medal — a bronze. Her success provided some consolation for the Indian contingent, which otherwise endured early exits across most categories.
India’s Performance Overview
The early eliminations mark a continuation of India’s difficulties in Greco-Roman wrestling, a style that demands upper-body strength and specialized technique. Coaches have attributed the poor showing to a lack of exposure and training opportunities in international events. With just one medal — courtesy of Panghal — India’s campaign at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships has been labelled disappointing by analysts and fans alike.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Wrestling
Following the tournament, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is expected to review performance gaps and training strategies ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Wrestling insiders believe reforms in coaching methods and more international exposure will be key to improving India’s Greco-Roman results. Despite setbacks, young wrestlers like Suraj Vashishth and Antim Panghal offer hope for a stronger showing in future global events.
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