India’s wrestling future looks bright as six Asian Championship medalists powered through the selection trials on Monday, earning their spots on the national team for the U17 World Championships. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) held tightly contested trials, exclusively for medalists from the recent U17 National Championship, ensuring only the cream of the crop competed across the 10 weight categories.

Haryana’s Rachna Parmar (43kg), Delhi’s Moni (57kg), Rajasthan’s Ashvini Vaishno (65kg), and Haryana’s Manisha (69kg)—all gold medalists from the Asian Championships in Vietnam—dominated their categories. Rachna outclassed Cheshta 3-0, skillfully countering her opponent’s aggressive ‘dhobi pachad’ moves to secure victory. Cheshta, an Asian silver medalist in the 40kg category, competed in 43kg but couldn’t overcome Rachna’s tactical prowess.

In the 65kg and 69kg categories, competition was lean but fierce. Ashvini defeated Haryana’s Taniya 2-0, while Manisha pinned Delhi’s Bharti after building a 4-0 lead. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh’s Anshika Yadav (69kg) was barred from competing due to her passport expiring in December, falling short of the six-month validity required for visa applications. “It’s unfortunate, but she wouldn’t have been able to travel,” a WFI official explained, noting the tight deadline for submitting entries via the United World Wrestling (UWW) system.

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Other standout winners included Uttar Pradesh’s Preeti (40kg), Kasish (46kg), Komal (49kg), Yashita (61kg), and Kajal (73kg). Komal’s victory was particularly gripping, as she overcame a 0-2 deficit against Asian bronze medalist Anjali. Trailing at the break, Komal rallied in the second period with a swift two-point move and a decisive takedown to clinch her spot. Kajal, the sole competitor in the 73kg category, secured her place by default.

With a formidable lineup of young talent, India’s U17 wrestling team is poised to make waves at the World Championships, showcasing the strength and depth of the country’s emerging wrestling stars.

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