Can Sumit Malik Capture Gold in U20 World Wrestling Championships Final?
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Synopsis
Sumit Malik's incredible journey at the U20 World Wrestling Championships continues as he dominates in the semifinals. His unwavering strategy and skill set him up for a gold medal showdown. Will he triumph and secure his place in wrestling history?
Key Takeaways
- Sumit Malik dominated Ion Bulgaru with an impressive 11-3 victory.
- Malik will face Magomed Ozdamirov for the gold medal.
- Kamil Kurugliyev reached the 92kg final against Sherzod Poyonov.
- The United States secured two finalists in various categories.
- Malik's performance reflects the strength of Indian wrestling on the global stage.
Samokov (Bulgaria), Aug 18 (NationPress) India’s Sumit Malik delivered an impressive performance in the 57kg weight category, securing his spot in the final of the U20 World Wrestling Championships on Monday. Malik dominated Ion Bulgaru (MDA) with a score of 11-3 in the semifinal, demonstrating his relentless offensive strategy and robust defense, setting him up for a shot at the gold medal.
He initiated the scoring with a stepout on the activity clock, followed by another stepout and a takedown, leading him to a 4-0 advantage at the break. In the second period, he maintained the pressure, increasing his lead with another takedown and stepout, bringing the score to 7-0.
Bulgaru managed a brief comeback with a takedown on the edge, but Malik's momentum was unyielding, ultimately sealing the match with another stepout and takedown. Both competitors received cautions for open-hand contact, but the Indian wrestler remained steadfast, finishing with a commendable 11-3 victory. Malik is now set to face Magomed Ozdamirov (UWW) in the gold medal match, after the Russian athlete narrowly defeated Kazakhstan’s Nurdanat Aitanov 3-1 in the other semifinal.
In other news, Kazakhstan’s Kamil Kurugliyev made headlines by reaching the 92kg final. The former U17 world champion, who previously placed fifth in 2023 and earned bronze in 2024 at 97kg, dropped to 92kg this year and has already upgraded his medal expectations.
In a closely contested semifinal, he triumphed over Azerbaijan’s returning bronze medalist Anar Jafarli 9-6, thanks to an early four-point throw. Kurugliyev will face Asian U20 champion Sherzod Poyonov (UZB), who advanced after pinning Gadzhimurad Gadzhibatyrov (UWW).
The United States had a strong showing as well, with two finalists. At 65kg, Luke Stanich upset European U20 and U23 champion Amal Dzhandubaev (UWW) 3-1, utilizing disciplined wrestling and a decisive takedown in the second period.
Stanich will meet Japan’s Reiji Uchida, who overwhelmed Viktor Borohan (UKR) 10-0 with stepouts and a lace attack. At 79kg, Pan-American U20 champion William Henckel edged past Asian U20 champion Amit (IND) 5-4, using an early takedown-and-gut sequence and managing to hold off a late challenge from the Indian wrestler.
Henckel’s final opponent will be Iran’s Mahdi Yousefi, a returning bronze medalist and senior Asian champion, who outperformed Said Saidulov (UWW) 15-7 in a thrilling high-scoring match.
Point of View
I am proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of our athletes on an international stage. Sumit Malik's performance at the U20 World Wrestling Championships underscores the talent and determination present in Indian wrestling. We remain committed to supporting our athletes and celebrating their successes.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight category is Sumit Malik competing in?
Sumit Malik is competing in the 57kg weight category at the U20 World Wrestling Championships.
Who did Sumit Malik face in the semifinals?
In the semifinals, Sumit Malik faced Ion Bulgaru from Moldova and won with a score of 11-3.
When is the final match scheduled?
Sumit Malik's final match will be held shortly after the semifinals, where he will compete for the gold medal.
Who is Malik's opponent in the final?
Sumit Malik will face Magomed Ozdamirov (UWW) in the final match for the gold medal.
Which other athletes reached the finals?
Other notable finalists include Kamil Kurugliyev from Kazakhstan at 92kg and Luke Stanich from the USA at 65kg.
