Football to wrestling glory, non-med science topper: Sujeet Kalkal's father, sister reflect on wrestler's journey towards Asiad gold
Discover the incredible journey of Sujeet Kalkal, the non-medical science topper who staged a massive comeback to win Asian Games gold.
In a breathtaking display of resilience and skill, Sujeet Kalkal has etched his name into sporting history by clinching the men's freestyle 65kg gold medal at the Asian Games. His victory marks India's first gold in wrestling at the event since the 2018 edition, signaling a powerful resurgence for the nation's grapplers.
A miraculous comeback on the mat
The final against Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev was nothing short of a cinematic comeback. Trailing 2-9 with only one minute and 40 seconds remaining on the clock, Sujeet appeared to be on the brink of defeat. However, demonstrating immense composure, he unleashed a series of relentless takedowns, turning the tide in the final seconds to secure the gold with just eleven seconds left in the bout.
This victory was a cornerstone of India's most successful wrestling campaign in over six decades at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 games. India finished with a total of six medals: two gold, two silver, and two bronze. Alongside Sujeet, Aman secured gold, while Antim Panghal and Nitesh Siwach earned silver, and Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar picked up bronze.
The secret behind the success: Discipline and academics
Speaking to ANI, Sujeet's father and coach, Dayanand, expressed immense pride in his son's achievement. A former national-level wrestler himself, Dayanand revealed that Sujeet's path was not always destined for the wrestling mat. Sujeet Kalkal Asian Games gold was preceded by a childhood spent on the football field.
"At first, I had him play football; that was where his interest lay. Gradually, I wanted him to take up wrestling, so I steered him towards it," Dayanand shared. By the 12th grade, Sujeet had fully transitioned into the sport while simultaneously proving his intellectual prowess as a non-medical science topper in his class.
Dayanand emphasized the importance of balancing rigorous training with education. "Every sportsman should pursue an education. It sharpens the mind and ensures a smooth life; plus, it boosts performance in sports," he noted, highlighting how academic discipline translates to mental toughness on the mat.
Eyes set on Los Angeles 2028
With a gold medal from the Asian Championships in Bishkek and an under-23 gold last year, Sujeet is now being hailed as a top contender for the LA 2028 Olympics. His ability to perform under extreme pressure has made him one of the most exciting prospects in international wrestling.
His sister, Yashasvi, echoed the family's pride, noting the immense struggle and pain Sujeet endured to reach this pinnacle. "He turned the tables in the bout, creating history. Now, the next goal for him is LA 2028. We are all very happy and enthusiastic. We are very proud of him," she said.