Wrestling has long held a special place in Indian sports, bringing glory and pride to the country. Of India’s 41 Olympic medals, eight have come from wrestling, highlighting the nation’s strength in this sport. Recently, 21-year-old Aman Sehrawat added to India’s medal tally, inspiring the next generation of wrestlers. As Indian wrestling grows stronger, many young athletes are making waves on the international stage. Here’s a look at some of the top young wrestlers to watch.
1. Chirag Chikkara
At just 18 years old, Chirag Chikkara is already making headlines. This promising young wrestler recently won two gold medals at the Under-23 World Championships, establishing himself as a name to remember. Chirag’s journey began earlier when he won a bronze medal at the 2021 Cadet World Championships. His strong performances have made him a rising star, and he is set to bring more accolades to Indian wrestling in the future.
2. Sujeet Kalkal
Sujeet Kalkal, 21, is another talented young wrestler who’s shown consistent success in international competitions. He clinched a bronze medal in the 70 kg category at the Under-23 World Championships, showcasing his resilience and skill. Sujeet’s 2022 season was remarkable—he participated in four major tournaments and won all of them. These included the Under-20 World Championship, the Under-20 and Under-15 Asian Championships, and the Under-23 & Under-17 Asian Championships. Sujeet’s talent and hard work have made him one of India’s most promising wrestlers, although he narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics this year.
3. Sahil Jaglan
Sahil Jaglan, an 18-year-old wrestler competing in the 97 kg weight category, has quickly gained attention for his achievements. This year alone, Sahil won gold at the Under-23 and Under-17 Asian Championships and clinched a silver medal at the Under-23 Asian Championships. His impressive performances in the junior levels have shown that he has the potential to succeed on the senior stage in the coming years.
4. Jaideep Ahlawat
Jaideep Ahlawat, 20, has proven himself in the 74 kg weight category with multiple medals at international competitions. He won silver at this year’s Under-23 Asian Championships and bronze at the Under-20 World Championships last year. Jaideep has been a steady presence on the podium, with a silver in the Under-20 Asian Championships in 2022 and a bronze in the Cadet World Championships in 2021.
