Four Indian women wrestlers become U17 world champions

Amman (Jordan), August 22

In a sparkling show by India’s women wrestlers at the Under-17 World Championships, four grapplers annexed the titles here today and at least two more are in gold medal contention.

Aditi Kumari (43kg), Neha (57kg), Pulkit (65kg) and Mansi Lather (73kg) won world titles in their respective categories with remarkable ease.

Kajal (69kg) and Shrutika Patil (46kg) will also compete in the gold medal bouts on Friday after making the finals.

India can bag more medals as Raj Bala (40kg) will compete in the bronze playoff while Muskan (53kg) and Rajnita (61kg) are still in contention for podium finishes by making the repechage round.

India are now certain to win the women’s team trophy despite not fielding a wrestler in the 49kg weight class.

Aditi emerged champion after blanking Maria Louiza Gkika of Greece 7-0 in the title clash.

Neha overpowered Japan’s So Tsuitsui as she stood out with her double-leg attacks. Neha hardly gave a chance to her rival in the gold medal bout.

Pulkit faced Daria Frolova, who is competing as a neutral athlete, and won 6-3. She was leading 5-0 but conceded a pushout point and caution late in the bout that allowed Frolova to gain three points. Frolova made a desperate attempt to get the winning move but Pulkit defended well in the final 20 seconds to claim the title.

Mansi raced to a 5-0 lead against Hanna Pirskaya and then found a way to pin her rival, ending the bout in style.

India also won two bronze medals in the Greco-Roman category with Ronak Dahiya and Sainath Pardhi (51kg) ending on the podium.