Indian wrestling has once again showcased its strength on the global stage with a stellar performance at the under-23 World Championships in Tirana, Albania. Returning home with nine medals, India’s young wrestlers have demonstrated remarkable grit, skill, and potential, signalling that the future of Indian wrestling is indeed bright. This medal tally is not just a mark of achievement; it’s a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of India’s next generation of wrestlers.
Indian wrestlers finished the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024, which was held in Tirana, Albania from October 21 to 27, with a total of nine medals – one gold, one silver and seven bronze.
Chirag Chikkara accounted for the solitary gold in the men’s 57kg, becoming only the third Indian to ever claim top podium at the U23 World Wrestling Championships after Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57kg) in 2022 and Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg) last year.
Chikkara’s journey to the gold in the men’s 57kg weight class wasn’t easy. Competing against the world’s best young wrestlers, he displayed exceptional skill, focus, and stamina. Each bout showcased his command of technique and tactical understanding. Chikkara’s ability to execute precise moves and outwit his opponents was evident as he progressed through each round. His final match demonstrated not just his physical prowess but also his mental fortitude, as he held his ground and clinched a well-deserved victory.
Anjli won the only silver medal for India in the women’s 59kg. Meanwhile, Monika, who claimed the women’s 65kg bronze last year, bagged her second successive medal from the U23 World Wrestling Championships with another bronze, albeit in the 68kg this year.
Sujeet, a former U-20 world championships bronze medallist who represented India in the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers earlier this year, also claimed a bronze in the men’s 70kg freestyle category. Vicky won the bronze in the men’s 97kg to become the first Indian to medal in a heavyweight category at the U23 World Championships.
India’s nine medals highlight the depth and diversity of talent within the country. The U-23 World Championships serve as a precursor to the senior-level competitions, including the Olympics, and this remarkable success in Tirana sends a clear message that India’s wrestling pipeline is both strong and thriving.
India’s nine medals at the U-23 World Championships underscore the country’s steady rise in the world of wrestling. This triumph will undoubtedly inspire young wrestlers across the nation, showing them that hard work and determination can lead to success on the global stage. For Indian wrestling, Tirana isn’t just a milestone – it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential.
The Momma Clan 
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