Mansi Lather, Ronak headline India's 60-member squad for U15 & U20 Asian Wrestling Championships
Synopsis
India's most experienced age-group wrestling squad in recent memory — 60 athletes strong — heads to Pattaya with Mansi Lather, fresh off a U23 Asian gold, leading the women's draw and Ronak anchoring the men's freestyle heavyweights. With recent continental medals already on the board, the WFI is targeting its strongest-ever U15 and U20 Asian haul.
Key Takeaways
India is sending a 60-member squad to the U15 and U20 Asian Wrestling Championships in Pattaya, Thailand , from 27 June to 5 July .
Mansi Lather (68kg freestyle) anchors the U20 women's draw, having recently won gold at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Ronak (125kg) leads the men's freestyle U20 heavyweight category with proven international experience.
Neeraj Patel (55kg Greco-Roman) brings a bronze medal from the U23 Asian Championships, including an 8-0 win in his final bout.
The U15 events begin on 27 June ; the U20 category starts from 30 June .
WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh has expressed expectation of a 'very good medal tally' from the group.
India will send a 60-member contingent to the U15 and U20 Asian Wrestling Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, running from 27 June to 5 July, with reigning continental medallists Mansi Lather and Neeraj Patel among the headline names anchoring the challenge across three disciplines.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The championships will feature competition in men's freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women's wrestling. The U15 events are scheduled to open proceedings on 27 June, with the U20 category taking centre stage from 30 June. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has fielded athletes across all three disciplines, blending proven continental medallists with emerging domestic talent.
WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh expressed confidence in the group ahead of departure. 'This is a crucial tournament for us, and we're sending a very solid group of wrestlers to Pattaya,' he said. 'We've picked a squad of 60 athletes who have really given their all in the domestic trials. When you look at athletes like Mansi or Neeraj, they already know what it takes to win at this level. And for the U15 kids, it's all about getting that early international exposure against top-tier opponents. The federation stands behind them completely, and honestly, we are expecting a very good medal tally from this group,' he added.
Women's Wrestling: Mansi Lather Leads the Charge
The women's contingent enters the U20 draw anchored by 68kg freestyle specialist Mansi Lather, who arrives in Pattaya carrying significant momentum after clinching the gold medal at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships. Known for her aggressive upper-body control and tactical maturity, she enters as a strong contender for the U20 continental title.
The U15 women's division features emerging domestic champions Vinakshi (46kg) and Dipanshi (58kg), both of whom secured their places through standout performances at the national selection trials.
Men's Freestyle: Ronak Anchors the Heavyweights
In the men's freestyle draw, the spotlight falls on 125kg powerhouse Ronak in the U20 heavyweight category. Ronak brings proven international mat experience and has consistently demonstrated the ability to handle veteran competition. The freestyle squad is further strengthened by U20 athletes Pavan Dhygude Dipanshu (65kg) and Adarsh Yuvraj Patil (74kg), while the U15 roster includes heavily scouted regional talents Jatin (38kg) and Arman (68kg).
Greco-Roman Squad: Neeraj Patel's Experience Key
The Greco-Roman contingent is built around technically precise and defensively resilient grapplers. Leading the U20 charge is 55kg standout Neeraj Patel, who secured a bronze medal at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships — including an 8-0 shutout victory in his final match. His experience navigating tight par terre situations is expected to be a key asset at this level.
Joining Neeraj are tactical specialists Suraj (60kg) and super-heavyweight Dishant (130kg) in the U20 category, while the U15 draw features Paryas Dhounchak (57kg) and Kushal Kajal (68kg).
India's Continental Wrestling Record
The U20 Asian Wrestling Championships have historically served as a launching pad for India's future international stars. This edition arrives on the back of recent age-group success, including Mansi's gold and Neeraj's bronze at the U23 Asians, giving the contingent a credible foundation to build on. With a structured pipeline now in place, the WFI will be looking for a strong medal tally from both the U15 and U20 draws across all three disciplines.
Point of View
All three disciplines — signals a deliberate pipeline strategy rather than a medal-first approach. The inclusion of raw U15 talent alongside proven U23-level performers like Mansi Lather and Neeraj Patel reflects a federation that is, for once, thinking in cycles rather than tournaments. The real test is whether this structural investment in early international exposure translates into senior podium finishes three to five years from now — a conversion rate where Indian wrestling has historically been inconsistent. Pattaya will be a useful early data point.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the U15 and U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2025?
The championships are being held in Pattaya, Thailand, from 27 June to 5 July 2025. The U15 events begin on 27 June, with the U20 category commencing from 30 June.
Who is leading India's women's wrestling challenge at the U20 Asians?
Mansi Lather, competing in the 68kg freestyle category, leads India's U20 women's contingent. She arrives in Pattaya having recently won gold at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Who is Ronak and why is he a key figure for India at these championships?
Ronak is a 125kg men's freestyle wrestler competing in the U20 heavyweight category. He brings proven international mat experience and has consistently performed against senior competition, making him one of India's primary medal hopes in the freestyle draw.
How many wrestlers has India sent to the U15 and U20 Asian Wrestling Championships?
The Wrestling Federation of India has fielded a 60-member contingent, covering men's freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women's wrestling across both the U15 and U20 age categories.
What is Neeraj Patel's record heading into the U20 Asian Wrestling Championships?
Neeraj Patel, competing in the 55kg Greco-Roman category, recently won a bronze medal at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships, including an 8-0 shutout victory in his final match. He is regarded as India's most experienced grappler in the U20 Greco-Roman draw.
