Neha wins gold, Mansi silver as India bags 8 medals at Budapest 2026
Synopsis
India's wrestlers are dominating the Budapest Ranking Series 2026 — eight medals in three days, with Neha's gold in the 59kg final the standout moment. Her 6-4 win over a US opponent, combined with Mansi's silver and Savita's 14-5 bronze, signals a depth in Indian women's wrestling that goes well beyond a single star.
Key Takeaways
Neha claimed gold in the women's 59kg category, defeating USA 's Abigail E.
Nette 6-4 on points at the Budapest Ranking Series 2026 on 18 July 2026 .
Mansi won silver in the 62kg division after an injury curtailed her gold medal bout against Canada 's Ana P.
Savita took bronze in the same 62kg class, beating Kazakhstan 's Irina Kuznetsova 14-5 .
Hansika Lamba won silver in the 55kg category after a stunning 10-7 semifinal comeback from 2-7 down against Germany 's Anastasia Blayvas .
India's total medal tally stands at 8 — 2 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze — after Day 3 .
The Greco-Roman division begins on Saturday , offering further medal opportunities for India.
Neha, the former U17 World Champion, clinched the gold medal in the women's 59kg category on Day 3 of the Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament 2026 in Budapest on 18 July 2026, as India extended its medal haul to eight at the prestigious Hungarian ranking event. The win came via a 6-4 points victory (VPO1) over USA's Abigail E. Nette in a tightly contested championship bout.
Neha's Gold: A Tactical Masterclass
Neha's triumph in the 59kg final was a study in composure under pressure. Facing a seasoned American opponent in Abigail E. Nette, the Indian wrestler held her nerve through a close tactical exchange, eventually edging the bout 6-4 on points. The gold is India's second of the tournament, matching the opening-day triumph of Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat in the men's 57kg freestyle division. Continuing what has been a breakthrough year on the senior circuit, Neha's performance underscored her growing ability to convert junior pedigree into senior results.
Mansi's Silver and Savita's Bronze in 62kg
India's medal momentum carried into the women's 62kg division, where the contingent secured both a silver and a bronze. Mansi fought her way to the gold medal match against Canada's Ana P. Godinez Gonzalez, but an unfortunate mid-bout injury forced her to settle for a well-earned silver. In the bronze medal play-off of the same weight class, Savita delivered a dominant display, overpowering Kazakhstan's Irina Kuznetsova by a commanding 14-5 scoreline.
Hansika Lamba's Semifinal Comeback
The Day 3 medals followed a memorable Thursday night performance by Hansika Lamba, the former U23 World Championship silver medallist, who secured a silver in the women's 55kg category. Lamba's route to the final included a remarkable semifinal comeback — she overturned a 2-7 deficit against Germany's Anastasia Blayvas with a series of explosive takedowns to win 10-7, before going down in the final.
India's Consolidated Medal Tally After Day 3
India's eight-medal haul comprises 2 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze. The full breakdown: Neha (59kg, gold), Aman Sehrawat (57kg, gold), Hansika Lamba (55kg, silver), Mansi (62kg, silver), Savita (62kg, bronze), Deepak (61kg, bronze), Vishal Kaliraman (65kg, bronze), and Rajat Ruhal (125kg, bronze).
What to Watch on Day 4
Action on Saturday shifts to the remaining women's categories and the launch of the Greco-Roman division. India's women's challenge will be led by Nishu (53kg), Neha Sharma (57kg), Deeksha Malik (72kg), and Priya (76kg). The Greco-Roman campaign opens with Anil in the 72kg category, while Rohit Bura and Kumar Sunil contest the 87kg division. With the Greco-Roman rounds yet to begin, India's final tally could rise further before the tournament concludes.
Point of View
Particularly among women. What stands out is that the medals are spread across weight categories and wrestlers, not concentrated in one or two marquee names. Neha's gold and Hansika's semifinal comeback in particular suggest that the U17 and U23 pipeline is finally translating into senior results. The Greco-Roman division, historically India's weakest leg, remains the real test of whether this is a broad-based surge or a freestyle-only story.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won gold for India at the Budapest Ranking Series 2026 on Day 3?
Neha, the former U17 World Champion, won the gold medal in the women's 59kg category on Day 3, defeating USA's Abigail E. Nette 6-4 on points. It is India's second gold of the tournament, after Aman Sehrawat's opening-day win.
Why did Mansi win silver instead of competing for gold at Budapest 2026?
Mansi reached the gold medal final in the women's 62kg category but suffered an injury during the bout against Canada's Ana P. Godinez Gonzalez, forcing her to settle for silver. The injury curtailed her match before a result could be reached on points.
What is India's total medal tally at the Budapest Ranking Series 2026 after Day 3?
India has won 8 medals in total — 2 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze — after three days of competition. The golds were won by Neha (59kg) and Aman Sehrawat (57kg).
Who is Hansika Lamba and what did she achieve at the Budapest tournament?
Hansika Lamba is a former U23 World Championship silver medallist who won silver in the women's 55kg category. She is notable for a stunning semifinal comeback, overturning a 2-7 deficit against Germany's Anastasia Blayvas to win 10-7 before reaching the final.
What events are scheduled for Day 4 at the Budapest Ranking Series 2026?
Day 4 on Saturday features the remaining women's wrestling categories — Nishu (53kg), Neha Sharma (57kg), Deeksha Malik (72kg), and Priya (76kg) — as well as the start of the Greco-Roman division, with Anil (72kg), Rohit Bura, and Kumar Sunil (both 87kg) competing.
