Asian Games Wrestling: Tricky draws await India’s medal prospects

Indian wrestlers, particularly in the men's freestyle category, face a challenging draw ahead of the Asian Games 2026 wrestling competitions. Aman Sehrawat, a men's freestyle 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, could potentially face either Gulomjon Abdullaev or Yamato Ogawa of Japan in the first round. If he advances past round one, he may have to contend with N Aitanov of Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals and Ali Hossein Momenijoujadeh of Iran in the semis.

In the men's 65 kg category, two medal favorites, Sujeet Kalkal and Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka, are drawn into the same half of the draw. Sujeet could face Mohammadreza Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi of Iran in the quarterfinals and Kiyooka as the big test in the semis. Sagar Jaglan's path is the most difficult in the men's 74 kg category, as he will have to overcome reigning Asian Champion Tumur Ochir Tulga in the first round. With a likely upset, Sagar faces significant challenges in the tournament.

Deepak Punia has an easy start in the men's 97 kg category, defeating Zhou Junpeng of China in the first round. He avoids facing top contenders Arash Yoshida of Japan and Amirali Azarpira of Iran until the finals. In the women's wrestling category, India's biggest medal hope Antim Panghal faces a potential semi-final clash against Zhang Jin of China. Both wrestlers have met twice before, with Antim prevailing in both the closely contested matches.

Young Dipanshi faces a heavy challenge against Yui Susaki in the 50 kg category and must create a significant upset to have any chance at a medal. In the 57 kg category, Manisha Bhanwala will have to battle unbeaten Akari Fujinami of Japan, posing a tough obstacle to her medal prospects. Nisha Dahiya will face Park Gol Sum of North Korea, the same opponent who caused her injury in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, in the first round. Her chances of finishing on the podium depend on her performance against the North Korean.