Sujeet Kalkal Secures Asian Championship Gold, Ending India's Seven-Year Wait in 65kg Wrestling
Golden hat-trick: Sujeet Kalkal ends India’s seven-year wait at 65kg with Asian Championship gold
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Sujeet Kalkal, a 23-year-old wrestler from India, has won the Asian Championship gold in the 65kg category, marking India's first title in this weight class since 2019. His victory, a culmination of a successful year, includes a gold medal hat-trick, as he remains unbeaten in 2026 with a record of 10 wins.
- 01Sujeet Kalkal won the Asian Championship gold, ending a seven-year drought for India in the 65kg category.
- 02He is unbeaten in 2026, achieving a gold medal hat-trick with victories in Zagreb, Tirana, and now the Asian Championship.
- 03Sujeet scored 96 points and conceded only 7 in his matches this year, showcasing his dominance.
- 04His father, Dayanand Kalkal, emphasizes a focus on fundamentals and technique in training.
- 05Sujeet's approach contrasts with traditional Indian wrestling, emphasizing precision over endurance.
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Sujeet Kalkal, a 23-year-old wrestler from India, has made history by winning gold at the Asian Championship in the 65kg category, marking the country's first triumph in this weight class since 2019. This victory not only ends a seven-year wait for a gold medal in men's freestyle wrestling but also highlights Sujeet's remarkable year, as he has remained unbeaten in 2026, achieving a gold medal hat-trick with previous wins in Zagreb and Tirana. In the final, he decisively defeated Uzbekistan's Umidjon Jalolov, a bronze medallist from last year's World Championship, with an 8-1 score. Sujeet's performance this year has been outstanding, scoring 96 points while conceding just 7, underscoring his dominance on the mat. His father and coach, Dayanand Kalkal, has played a pivotal role in his training, focusing on fundamental skills and technical precision, which have set Sujeet apart from traditional Indian wrestling styles. As he continues to evolve, Sujeet remains focused on the ultimate goal: the Olympic podium.
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Sujeet's victory revitalizes the Indian wrestling community and inspires young wrestlers, potentially leading to increased support and resources for the sport.
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