'Didn't lose hope till the end...': Sujeet's Miraculous Asian Games Gold
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal staged a miraculous comeback to win the 65kg freestyle gold at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
In a breathtaking display of grit and determination, Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has secured a historic gold medal in the men's freestyle 65kg category at the Asian Games 2026. In a performance that will be etched in Indian sporting history, Kalkal staged a stunning comeback to defeat Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final held at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A Miracle on the Mat
The final match appeared to be slipping away from the Indian wrestler. With only 1 minute and 40 seconds remaining on the clock, Sujeet found himself trailing significantly with a score of 2-9. However, instead of conceding to the deficit, he launched a relentless offensive. Through a series of rapid-fire takedowns, he shifted the momentum entirely, turning the tide in his favour to seal the gold medal with just eleven seconds left in the match.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, representing the nation's first Asiad gold in the sport since Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat achieved the feat during the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang edition.
The Path to Glory: Defeating an Olympic Champion
Sujeet's journey to the top of the podium was paved with high-stakes victories against world-class opponents. Before the final, he faced a monumental challenge in the semifinals against Japan's Kiyooka, the reigning Olympic champion. Despite trailing 2-0 after the first period, Sujeet fought back aggressively in the second period to level the score at 3-3, ultimately advancing to the final via tie-breaking criteria.
His campaign included several other crucial wins, including victories over:
- Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi (Iran) in the quarterfinals.
- Sayed Omar Zazai (Afghanistan) in the round of 16.
"I Stepped onto the Mat with One Thought"
Reflecting on his emotional victory, Sujeet expressed that his primary motivation was the pride of his nation. "Look, I stepped onto the mat with only one thought—that I had to bring gold for the country. I didn't lose hope until the very end, and by God's grace, the gold has come for the country," he told reporters.
The wrestler dedicated his triumph to the people of India, noting that the prayers of his countrymen were his greatest strength. He also acknowledged the intense level of competition, noting that the field included an Olympic champion and other formidable athletes.
Credit to Support Systems
Sujeet credited his success to the unwavering support from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He specifically mentioned the presence and support of WFI President Sanjay Singh. Looking toward the future, the wrestler expressed confidence in the rising standards of Indian wrestling, predicting even more medals for the country in upcoming international competitions.