Aman Sehrawat, Sujeet Kalkal Lead New-Look Indian Freestyle Squad for World Championship

Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat and rising star Sujeet Kalkal delivered commanding performances at the selection trials on Monday to secure their places in India’s squad for next month’s World Wrestling Championship in Zagreb, Croatia.

Sehrawat, returning for just his second international outing since his Olympic triumph in 2024, looked in peak form as he dominated the 57kg category. The 22-year-old breezed through the final, defeating Rahul by technical superiority without conceding a single point. His precise movements and speed left little room for his opponent to respond.

“I feel I am back to my best,” Sehrawat said after the win. “My fitness is good and my rhythm is also back. I am ready for the World Championship.”

After a bronze-medal finish at the Mongolia Ranking Series in June, Sehrawat acknowledged the need for improvement but remained confident. “That was my first competition after a year. I didn’t do that badly—I was leading 11-6—but I’ll take that defeat in my stride.”

The trials also saw an impressive display from Sujeet Kalkal, who cemented his place in the fiercely contested 65kg weight class. With top names missing and Bajrang Punia no longer competing, the door was open, and Sujeet walked through it with clinical counter-attacks and compact defense. He overpowered Anuj (10-0) and Vishal Kaliraman (8-4), turning defensive positions into scoring opportunities with sharp reflexes.

“We have worked on his strength over the last year,” said his father and coach, Dayanand Kalkal. “His resistance power has improved, and his attack has become more effective.”

Coach Kuldeep Sehrawat, who has worked with Sujeet at his Sonepat akhada, believes the youngster is on a promising trajectory.

Other notable selections include Deepak Punia, who dominated in his new 92kg category after previously competing in the 86kg division during the Tokyo Olympics. Mukul Dahiya impressed in 86kg, making the senior squad alongside Amit in 79kg, who showcased agility and determination despite a knee injury in the final.

Jaideep (74kg), Rohit (70kg), and Udit (61kg) also secured spots, along with Vickey (97kg) and Rajat (125kg).

Coach Vinod Kumar praised Sujeet’s rise, calling him “an Olympic medal contender” and lauded Udit’s transition from juniors to seniors, adding, “He doesn’t get intimidated by big names.”

India’s Men’s Freestyle Squad for World Wrestling Championship
57kg – Aman Sehrawat
61kg – Udit
63kg – Sunny Kumar
65kg – Sujeet Kalkal
67kg – Anil
70kg – Rohit
74kg – Jaideep
79kg – Amit
86kg – Mukul Dahiya
92kg – Deepak Punia
97kg – Vickey
125kg – Rajat