India’s wrestling scene witnessed another golden chapter on Monday as Sujeet Kalkal, a 22-year-old freestyle wrestler from Haryana, claimed the gold medal in the men’s 65kg category at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2025 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. His remarkable 10–0 victory over Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan through technical superiority not only secured his first world title but also reinforced India’s rising dominance in the international wrestling circuit.
The young grappler’s performance was a masterclass in power, precision, and strategy. With this triumph, Sujeet became the fourth Indian wrestler to win gold at the U23 Worlds, joining an elite group that includes Aman Sehrawat, Chirag Chikkara, and Reetika Hooda. His win symbolizes the continued growth of Indian wrestling, which has evolved from local akhadas to a global powerhouse producing champions at every level.
A Dream Realized in Novi Sad
The historic victory came after years of tireless dedication, sacrifice, and determination. For Sujeet, this gold medal was more than just a win it was the culmination of a lifelong dream that began in the dusty wrestling pits of Haryana.
The final bout against Uzbekistan’s Jalolov was expected to be tough, but Sujeet stunned everyone with his aggressive yet controlled performance. Within minutes of the opening whistle, he launched a series of perfectly executed double-leg takedowns, catching his opponent off guard. Jalolov struggled to find rhythm as Sujeet relentlessly attacked from multiple angles, leaving no room for a comeback.
The referee called the match at 10–0, declaring a victory by technical superiority, one of the most dominant ways to win in freestyle wrestling. The triumph showcased not just Sujeet’s skill but also his maturity as a wrestler capable of adapting quickly and exploiting weaknesses with surgical accuracy.
From Bronze to Gold: A Story of Redemption
This gold medal marks a significant step up from Sujeet’s performance in 2024, where he won bronze in the same competition. That experience, he later admitted, was a turning point. “Last year’s bronze taught me patience and discipline. I knew I could do better, and I promised myself that I would return stronger,” he said in a post-match interview.
True to his word, Sujeet refined every aspect of his game from improving his stamina to perfecting his leg defense and enhancing his counterattacks. His transformation over the past year was visible in Novi Sad, where he dominated every opponent he faced, right from the qualifiers to the final.
Path to the Podium: A Tournament of Grit and Glory
Sujeet’s road to gold was paved with intense battles and moments that tested his resolve.
In the opening round, he took on a formidable opponent from Georgia, winning convincingly by technical fall (12–1). His speed and ability to anticipate his rival’s moves made him an instant favorite among spectators.
Next, in the quarterfinals, he faced an experienced wrestler from Iran traditionally one of the strongest wrestling nations. The match began cautiously, with both grapplers defending tightly. However, Sujeet broke through in the second period with back-to-back takedowns, eventually sealing a 6–2 victory.
The semifinal clash with Japan’s Yuto Nishiuchi was a thriller. Nishiuchi, known for his counter-wrestling, forced Sujeet into a tactical contest. The bout went down to the wire, but Sujeet’s composure made the difference. With a late reversal in the final seconds, he edged out Nishiuchi 3–2, punching his ticket to the gold medal match.
His relentless consistency, stamina, and sharp decision-making throughout the championship underscored why he’s considered one of India’s brightest wrestling prospects.
Dominating the Final: Technique Meets Temperament
The final against Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Jalolov had reached the final after impressive wins over European opponents, but Sujeet proved to be a different challenge altogether.
Right from the whistle, Sujeet asserted dominance. His grip strength and mat awareness gave him a clear edge. He repeatedly used lightning-fast leg attacks, converting them into clean takedowns. Jalolov struggled to break free as Sujeet piled on points.
Within just four minutes, Sujeet had built an insurmountable 10–0 lead. The referee stopped the contest under technical superiority rules a result that speaks volumes about the Indian wrestler’s skill and preparation.
As the match ended, Sujeet raised both arms in triumph, looking toward the Indian flag being waved by fans in the stands. It was not just a personal victory but a proud moment for India.
A Legacy of Haryana’s Wrestling Tradition
Haryana has long been the cradle of Indian wrestling, producing icons such as Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Ravi Dahiya. Sujeet Kalkal now proudly joins this illustrious list.
Born in a farming family in Jhajjar district, Sujeet’s wrestling journey began at the age of 10 under the mentorship of his father, a former wrestler himself. His early days were spent training in mud pits, waking up before dawn, and following strict diets all part of the traditional akhada culture.
His rise through state and national ranks was meteoric. He first made waves at the National Junior Championships, followed by medals at the Asian Juniors. Known for his explosive double-leg takedowns and tight defense, Sujeet quickly became a standout performer in India’s wrestling circuit.
Voices of Pride: Coaches, Family, and Fellow Wrestlers React
Back home in Haryana, celebrations erupted the moment news of Sujeet’s win broke. His family distributed sweets to neighbors, and villagers gathered at his home, bursting crackers and dancing to the beat of dhols.
His father, Ramphal Kalkal, expressed immense pride:
“He has worked hard every single day. We always believed he could achieve this. Today, he has made our family and the whole nation proud.”
Coach Jagbir Singh, who has been training Sujeet for the past six years, praised his pupil’s mental toughness:
“Sujeet’s discipline is unmatched. Even after victories, he never stops learning. He studies videos of his matches and constantly works on improving. This gold is the result of years of relentless effort.”
Senior wrestlers like Aman Sehrawat and Ravi Dahiya congratulated Sujeet on social media, calling him “the next big name in Indian wrestling.”
A Historic Feat for India at the U23 Worlds
Sujeet’s triumph adds another jewel to India’s growing success at the U23 World Championships. With four gold medalists now Aman Sehrawat, Chirag Chikkara, Reetika Hooda, and Sujeet Kalkal India has firmly established itself as a strong force in youth wrestling.
This success is not accidental. Over the past few years, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have invested heavily in youth development programs, world-class training centers, and international exposure.
WFI President Sanjay Singh congratulated Sujeet, stating:
“Sujeet’s gold shows how far Indian wrestling has come. Our young wrestlers are not just competing; they are dominating on the global stage. Indian wrestling appears to have a more promising future than before.”
Technical Breakdown: What Makes Sujeet a Champion
Experts analyzing Sujeet’s matches highlight a few key strengths that set him apart:
1. Explosive Starts: Sujeet often takes control of the match early, forcing opponents to play catch-up.
2. Exceptional Leg Attacks: His timing and low-level entries are world-class, allowing him to score quickly.
3. Mat Awareness: He maintains strong body balance and rarely gives away easy points.
4. Defensive Grit: His ability to counterattack under pressure frustrates even the best opponents.
5. Conditioning: His stamina allows him to maintain high intensity till the final whistle.
These attributes, combined with his mental toughness, make him a dangerous competitor capable of challenging even senior-level wrestlers.
A Message to Aspiring Wrestlers
In his victory speech, Sujeet had a message for young wrestlers across India:
“Never stop believing in yourself. Wrestling is not just about strength; it’s about the mind. Every defeat teaches you something valuable. Keep learning, keep fighting, and success will follow.”
His humble words resonated with thousands of aspiring athletes who see in him a reflection of their own dreams.
Beyond Wrestling: A Symbol of India’s Sporting Spirit
Sujeet Kalkal’s victory represents more than just another medal it symbolizes India’s growing stature in global sports. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a revolution in athletics, wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting, with young athletes breaking barriers and rewriting records.
Sports commentators believe Sujeet’s win will inspire a new wave of youth participation in wrestling. His journey from rural Haryana to world champion encapsulates the idea that talent, when supported with the right infrastructure and training, can reach world-class heights.
Reactions Flood Social Media
As soon as Sujeet’s gold was announced, social media platforms exploded with celebration. Hashtags like #SujeetKalkalGold, #U23Worlds, and #WrestlingChamp began trending across India.
The Prime Minister congratulated him on X (formerly Twitter):
“Proud of Sujeet Kalkal for winning gold at the U23 World Wrestling Championships. His dedication and skill make the nation proud. Congratulations to the entire team!”
Celebrities, athletes, and fans flooded his posts with congratulatory messages. Videos of his final match quickly went viral, garnering millions of views within hours.
The Road Ahead: Eyes on the Olympics
Having conquered the U23 world stage, Sujeet now sets his sights on even bigger goals the senior world championships and eventually, the Olympic Games.
His immediate focus, he said, will be on transitioning smoothly into the senior circuit and competing against more seasoned international wrestlers. “This gold gives me confidence, but I know the road ahead is long. My dream is to win an Olympic medal for India, and I will give everything for it,” he said.
Coaches believe that if Sujeet continues to progress at this pace, he could be India’s top medal hope for Los Angeles 2028.
A New Chapter in Indian Wrestling
Sujeet Kalkal’s gold medal win at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2025 is more than an individual triumph it’s a beacon of hope for Indian sports. It reflects years of dedication, the silent sacrifices of families, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by athletes who refuse to give up.
As he stood on the podium, gold glinting under the lights, and the Indian anthem echoed through the arena, Sujeet represented not just himself but every young athlete dreaming of glory. His journey from the wrestling pits of Haryana to the world stage is a story that will inspire generations to come.
With his victory, Sujeet Kalkal has carved his name in history not just as a world champion, but as a symbol of India’s unyielding sporting spirit.
