Chirag Chikkara Wins India's Third U23 World Wrestling Title

India's Chirag Chikkara has etched his name in wrestling history by becoming only the third Indian to claim the Under-23 World Championship title. The 21-year-old triumphed in the men's freestyle 57kg category, defeating Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan in a thrilling 4-3 victory.

Chikkara's triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, as he joins Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat and Reetika Hooda as the only Indians to have won gold at the U23 Championships. Sehrawat achieved the feat in the same category in 2022, while Hooda became the first Indian woman to win gold in 2021.

Chikkara's path to the final was marked by a series of dominant performances. He defeated Gaukoto Ozawa, Iunus Iavbatirov, and Allan Oralbek with ease, showcasing his technical prowess and determination.

India's medal haul in the men's freestyle category was further bolstered by two bronze medals from Vicky and Sujeet Kalkal. Vicky secured bronze in the 97kg event, while Kalkal bounced back from an early deficit to win bronze in the 70kg category.

The Indian women's wrestling team also made their mark, claiming one silver and three bronze medals. Anjli won silver in the 59kg category, while Neha Sharma, Shiksha, and Monika each secured bronze in their respective weight classes.

Vishvajit More added to India's medal tally with a bronze in the men's 55kg Greco-Roman category, bringing India's total medal count to nine. This impressive performance placed India fourth in the team standings, behind Iran, Japan, and Azerbaijan.

Chikkara's victory and India's overall success at the U23 World Championships is a testament to the growing strength of Indian wrestling. The young wrestlers have demonstrated their talent and potential, and they are poised to make a significant impact on the international stage in the years to come.

Tags: #ChiragChikkara, #U23WorldWrestling, #IndianWrestling, #GoldMedal, #BronzeMedals