Asian Games: Sujeet Kalkal Wins Wrestling Gold After Dramatic Comeback Against Kudiev
Sujeet Kalkal rallied from 2-9 down to beat Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9, giving India its first wrestling gold at the event.
- On Friday, Sujeet Kalkal won gold in the men's 65kg freestyle wrestling final at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev.
- Kalkal rallied from a 2-9 deficit in the second period to secure a 10-9 victory, repeating his earlier win over Kudiev at the Asian Championships.
- With one minute, 15 seconds remaining and trailing 6-9, Kalkal executed a takedown to reach 8-9, then sealed victory with another takedown when time grew critical.
- The gold medal lifts the spirits of Indian wrestlers after they won no gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, marking India's breakthrough at the 2026 event.
- Kalkal's victory continues a legacy in the 65kg class established by Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia, who won golds in 2014 and 2018, with Bajrang also earning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
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Sujeet Kalkal's resurgence after losing major bouts and facing constant challenges is a key story in his career. Now, his victory in the Asian Games final after trailing 2-9 has added another significant achievement to his name. This wrestler, hailing from a small village, is now establishing himself as one of the most recognizable faces in Indian wrestling, defeating established wrestlers.
Sujeet Kalkal beats reigning Olympic champion on his way to wrestling gold
Sujeet Kalkal completed a remarkable comeback to win India's first wrestling gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games on Friday, beating Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 in the men's 65kg freestyle final.
Asian Games 2026: Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal bags mens 65 kg freestyle title following remarkable comeback - The Tribune
Down and out at 2-9 with a minute and 40 seconds to go, Sujeet produced takedowns after takedowns, changing tides in his favour and sealing the gold medal with eleven seconds left.
Sujeet Kalkal wins wrestling gold, defeats Abdulmazhid Kudiev in men's 65kg freestyle at Asian Games 2026
Star India wrestler Sujeet Kalkal scripted a historic comeback against Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev, and clinched the gold medal in the 65kg men's freestyle wrestling, bringing home India's 15th gold at the Asian Games 2026.
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