How Did India Excel at the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial in Budapest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's wrestlers showcased exceptional skill and determination.
- Sujeet won gold in the Men's Freestyle 65 Kg category.
- Indian women wrestlers achieved significant success, with multiple medals.
- Injuries affected some athletes' performances.
- Upcoming matches promise more excitement.
Budapest, July 19 (NationPress) India made an impressive mark at the ongoing 4th Ranking Series “Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial” Wrestling Tournament in Budapest, Hungary, earning multiple medals in both men’s and women’s freestyle categories. Competing against elite global wrestlers, the Indian team exhibited remarkable skill and resilience.
A standout performance was delivered by Sujeet, who secured gold in the Men’s Freestyle 65 Kg division. The reigning U23 Asian Champion dominated his matches, defeating Albania’s Islam Dudaev (11-0), France’s Khamzat (technical fall in 2:43), and Armenia’s Vazgen Tevanyan (6-1), ultimately overcoming Azerbaijan’s Ali Rahimzade with a score of 5-1 in the final.
Rahul (57 Kg) contributed with a bronze medal, edging out South Korea’s Sunggwon Kim 5-3 in the quarterfinals. After a close 6-7 defeat to the USA in the semifinals, he bounced back to triumph over Germany’s Niklas Stechele 4-0.
Other male competitors like Udit (61 Kg), Jaideep (74 Kg), Chander Mohan (79 Kg), and Vicky (97 Kg) fought valiantly but did not secure podium placements. Udit had to withdraw due to injury, while Vicky faced elimination in the repechage.
Despite having only eight wrestlers, the Indian women’s team delivered outstanding results.
Harshita (72 Kg) clinched gold, decisively defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhamila Bakbergenova 10-0 in the final. Promising athlete Antim (53 Kg) also earned gold, dominating competitors from Turkey and the USA before defeating Natalia Malysheva 7-4 in the final.
Neha (57 Kg) made a strong impression with victories over wrestlers from Kazakhstan and Hungary, ultimately finishing with silver against Olympic Champion Helen Maroulis (0-4).
Neelam (53 Kg) secured bronze, winning decisively in the repechage after a challenging quarterfinal loss.
Unfortunately, Priyanshi Prajapat had to withdraw from her bronze medal match due to injury.
More thrilling matches are anticipated on Saturday in the 55 Kg (Pushpa), 62 Kg (Manisha), and 76 Kg (Priya) categories.