U23 Asian Wrestling C'ships: Sagar, Suraj reach finals in Da Nang
Synopsis
India opened its UWW U23 Asian Wrestling Championships campaign with two Greco-Roman finalists on Day 1 in Da Nang — Sagar Singh in the 67kg and Suraj in the 60kg — guaranteeing at least two medals and putting India firmly in contention for gold at the Tien Son Sport Centre.
Key Takeaways
Sagar Singh (67kg) and Suraj (60kg) reached the gold medal bouts on Day 1 of the UWW U23 Asian Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam .
Both finalists are Greco-Roman wrestlers, guaranteeing India at least two silver medals from the tournament.
Kumar Sachin (77kg) narrowly lost his semifinal to Alikhan Dursonov ; wrestlers in the 72kg and 82kg categories were eliminated early.
WFI President Sanjay Singh praised the athletes' 'determination and fighting spirit on the mat.' On Day 2 , Neeraj (55kg), Sumit (63kg), and Rohit Bura (87kg) begin their qualification bouts.
Sagar Singh and Suraj, competing in the Greco-Roman discipline, booked their places in the gold medal bouts on the opening day of the United World Wrestling (UWW) U23 Asian Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, giving India a strong start at the Tien Son Sport Centre on 23 May. Both wrestlers have guaranteed India at least two silver medals, with the chance to go one better in the evening finals.
How Sagar and Suraj Made the Finals
Sagar Singh navigated the 67kg category with tactical discipline and consistency across the preliminary rounds, keeping his composure under sustained pressure to earn his gold medal match berth. In the 60kg division, Suraj produced an equally confident campaign through the day's qualification stages, securing his place in the title bout without dropping his attacking intent.
Mixed Results in Other Weight Classes
India's campaign in the 77kg category saw Kumar Sachin push hard before narrowly falling in a close semifinal against Alikhan Dursonov. Wrestlers representing India in the 72kg and 82kg categories were unable to advance past the early rounds, facing stiff competition from continental rivals.
What the Wrestling Federation Said
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh praised the finalists and the broader contingent. 'I extend my heartiest congratulations to the wrestlers advancing to the finals. The level of competition here in Vietnam is extremely high, and our athletes are showing great determination and fighting spirit on the mat. We are proud of the hard work they have put in leading up to this championship and wish our finalists, along with the entire contingent competing in the upcoming days, the very best,' he said.
India's Day Two Lineup
India's Greco-Roman campaign continues on Day 2 with qualification bouts across multiple weight classes. Neeraj opens the challenge in the 55kg category, followed by Sumit in the 63kg division and Rohit Bura in the 87kg category. All three aim to reach the quarterfinals and sustain India's momentum at the continental championship. With two finalists already confirmed, India's wrestling unit heads into the second day with confidence and a clear medal target in sight.
Point of View
But the early exits in the 72kg and 82kg categories are a reminder that India's wrestling depth at the U23 level remains uneven. The real test is whether Sagar and Suraj convert their final berths into gold — converting semifinal momentum into a title bout win is a different discipline altogether. WFI's public praise is well-placed, but the federation will know that medals, not finals appearances, define a successful continental campaign. Day 2 will reveal whether India can build a broader medal haul or whether the story remains one of individual peaks against a shallow team base.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are India's finalists at the UWW U23 Asian Wrestling Championships 2025?
India has two finalists on Day 1: Sagar Singh in the 67kg Greco-Roman category and Suraj in the 60kg Greco-Roman category. Both will compete in their respective gold medal bouts at the Tien Son Sport Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Where are the UWW U23 Asian Wrestling Championships being held?
The championships are being held at the Tien Son Sport Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam. India began its campaign on 23 May.
What happened to India's other wrestlers on Day 1?
Kumar Sachin (77kg) lost narrowly in the semifinal against Alikhan Dursonov, while wrestlers in the 72kg and 82kg categories were eliminated in the early rounds by tough continental competition.
Who competes for India on Day 2 of the championships?
Neeraj opens in the 55kg category, followed by Sumit in the 63kg division and Rohit Bura in the 87kg category. All three aim to reach the quarterfinals and keep India's medal momentum going.
What did WFI President Sanjay Singh say about India's Day 1 performance?
Sanjay Singh congratulated the finalists and praised the contingent's 'determination and fighting spirit,' acknowledging the high level of competition in Vietnam and expressing confidence in the wrestlers heading into the remaining days of the championship.
