The men’s wrestling trials for the World Championships scheduled in Zagreb concluded on the expected lines as Paris Olympics medallist Aman Sehrawat (57 kg), Budapest Ranking series gold medallist Sujeet Kalkal (65 kg), and Tokyo Olympian Deepak Punia (92 kg) booked their berth for the event.
While Aman Sehrawat barely faced any resistance in his two hours, Sujeet had to work hard for his place as Vishal Kaliraman tested him in the final.
Aman, who has just played the Ulanbatar Ranking Series after Paris, looked a little rustic against Sumit in the semis of 57 kg but eventually won the bout 12-2. In the finals, he defeated Rahul 11-0. It was a classic attacking strategy where he went for the legs and converted it into takedown.
This will be the second World Championships appearance for the 22-year-old from Haryana.
In the 65kg, Sujeet was defensively solid and reversed two attacks from Anuj in the semi-final to win 8-0.
Sujeet took a big lead of 7-1 in the final but Vishal came back to score three more points. However, Sujeet defended well throughout the bout to book his berth.
“My experience at the two Ranking series (Ulaanbaatar and Budapest) are going to help me at the World Championships. For the past one year, I have worked hard on strength and conditioning,” Sujeet told the Indian Express after winning his final.
Story continues below this ad
Deepak Punia decimated both his opponents, one by power and one by tactics. In the 92 kg, he defeated Anil 10-0 in the semi-finals and pinned young Sachin to claim his berth.
Deepak, who competed in 86 kg category at Tokyo Olympics, has started the season in the 92 kg and plans to go back to 86 kg when multi sporting tournaments come close as 92 is not an Olympic category.
“I am doing well in the 92 kg category at the moment. I will cut down weight when we come close to the Asian Games next year,” Deepak said.
However, when Deepak comes back to 86, he will face stiff challenge from youngster Mukul Dahiya. The wrestler from Delhi defeated Ashish in the final to book his berth. He will also be playing in the U20 World Championships scheduled later this month from 17th August.
Story continues below this ad
While the big names had it easy, arguably the best bout of the day was the 79 kg final between Amit and Chander Mohan. While Amit dominated from word go and took an early lead, Chander came back in the second round. But Amit held his defence to win the bout 9-6.
The Indian wrestlers will train together in a camp before the World Championships kick off in Zagreb, Croatia from 13th September.
Indian men’s squad for World Wrestling Championships 2025:
Freestyle: 57 kg: Aman, 61 kg: Udit, 65 kg: Sujeet Kalkal, 70 kg: Rohit, 74 kg: Jaideep, 79 kg: Amit, 86 kg: Mukul Dahiya, 92 kg: Deepak Punia, 97 kg:, 125 kg: Rajat
