As Bajrang Punia, one of India’s top wrestlers, navigates a challenging phase in his career, India has found a new star in Chirag Chikkara. The 23-year-old wrestler has made history by winning gold at the U23 World Wrestling Championship in the 57kg category, held in Tirana, Albania. This victory not only adds to India’s wrestling achievements but also offers hope for the next generation of wrestlers.
Chirag’s Journey to Gold
Chirag Chikkara’s performance throughout the tournament was outstanding. In a closely fought final match against Kyrgyzstan’s Abdymalik Karachov, Chirag secured a 4-3 victory. The bout was intense, with both wrestlers battling point-by-point, but Chirag managed to stay ahead and clinch the title.
Chirag’s gold medal win makes him only the second Indian male wrestler to achieve this feat at the U23 World Championships. The first was Aman Sehrawat, who won gold in 2022.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Chirag’s victory is even more special considering the challenges he overcame. After suffering a knee injury during the Under-16 National Championships, he was out of action for three years. The U23 World Championship was his first competitive event since his recovery, making his triumph a remarkable comeback.
Impressive Wins in the Tournament
Chirag’s journey to the gold medal was marked by impressive victories. He started with a 6-1 win over Japan’s Gatsuko Ozawa in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Chirag dominated Azerbaijan’s Iyunus Evbatirov with a 12-2 win. His performance continued to shine in the semi-final against Kazakhstan’s Alan Oralbek, securing a spot in the final.
Other Indian Wrestlers Shine
India’s success at the U23 World Wrestling Championship didn’t stop with Chirag. Sujit Kalkal and Vicky also won bronze medals in their respective weight categories. Sujit made a brilliant comeback, defeating Tajikistan’s Muhammad Akhmedov 13-4 after initially trailing 0-4 in the 70kg category. Meanwhile, Vicky, competing in the 97kg category, showcased his strength by beating Ukraine’s Ivan Primachenko 7-2.
The Future of Indian Wrestling
Chirag’s gold adds a new chapter to India’s wrestling history. He now joins the ranks of Aman Sehrawat and Ravi Dahiya, showing that the next generation of wrestlers is ready to carry the legacy forward. With such talent emerging, Indian wrestling’s future looks brighter than ever.
