By SRTeam Indian Wrestler Opens Nation’s Medal Tally in Amman, Jordan
Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar has secured a bronze medal in the 87kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025, held in Amman, Jordan. This achievement marks his fifth senior medal at the continental event, reinforcing his consistent performance on the Asian stage.
Journey to the Podium
Sunil commenced his campaign with a commanding 10-1 victory over Tajikistan’s Sukhrob Abdulkhaev in the quarterfinals, demonstrating his technical prowess and dominance on the mat. However, in the semifinals, he faced Iran’s Yasin Ali Yazdi and suffered a narrow 3-1 defeat, which relegated him to the bronze medal bout. Displaying resilience, Sunil rebounded to defeat China’s Jiaxin Huang with a 3-1 scoreline, securing the bronze medal for India.
A Legacy of Success
Sunil Kumar’s latest accomplishment adds to his impressive track record at the Asian Wrestling Championships. He previously earned a silver medal in 2019 and made history in 2020 by ending India’s 27-year wait for a Greco-Roman gold at the continental event. Subsequent bronze medals followed in 2022 and 2023, underscoring his sustained excellence in the sport.
Challenges for Team India
While Sunil’s success brought cheer to the Indian contingent, other Greco-Roman wrestlers faced challenges. Nitin (55kg), Umesh (63kg), and Prem (130kg) were eliminated in the qualification rounds. Sagar Thakran (77kg) advanced past the qualification but was defeated 10-0 by Jordan’s Amro Sadeh in the quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead
The championship continues with other Indian wrestlers set to compete in various weight categories. Notably, Paris 2024 Olympians Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg) and Antim Panghal (women’s 53kg) are scheduled to take the mat later this week, aiming to add to India’s medal tally.
Sunil Kumar’s bronze medal not only opens India’s account at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025 but also serves as an inspiration for his teammates to strive for excellence on the international stage