Kajal, Neelam made history as 2 Indian women reached the world finals for the first time

Indian wrestling reached a new milestone in Astana on Tuesday when Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi secured berths in the World Championship finals, making it the first time the two countries contested for gold in the same edition.

Kajal will challenge Ukraine’s Anastasia Alpyeeva for the 76kg title, while Neelam will take on Japan’s Yui Susaki in the 50kg final. Their success builds on Anshu Malik’s breakthrough in 2021 when she became the first Indian woman to reach the World Championship final and win silver.

“Having two Indian women in the World Championship finals is a proud moment for Indian wrestling. Kajala’s comeback showed tremendous faith and courage, while Neelam’s performance reflected her preparation and poise. Their success is a credit to the wrestlers, their coaches and everyone who supports them. We wish both athletes the best as they compete for gold,” said Indian Wrestling Federation President, Sanjay Singh.

For 18-year-old Kajal, the result marks an impressive transition to the senior stage after two under-20 world titles. In her senior World Championship debut, she recovered from 1–7 down to beat Kyrgyzstan’s Aiper Medet Kyzy 10–7 in the semi-finals. Her earlier victories came against Lithuania’s Kamila Griskiene Gaucaite and Mongolia’s Davaanasan Enkh Amar.

Neelam, 26, secured her final spot with a 7-3 semi-final win against Kazakhstan’s Zeinep Bayan. Earlier, she beat Belarus’ Natallia Varakinova 6-0 to advance to the quarter-finals after Russia’s Elizaveta Smirnova was injured.

The two finalists now have an opportunity to turn a historic day for Indian women’s wrestling into a maiden world title.

Elsewhere, Rajnita remains in contention for the 65kg bronze and will face Japan’s Nana Ikehata in the rematch. Her campaign included an 8-6 victory against 2024 world silver medalist Kateryna Zelenykh before a defeat to Moldova’s Irina Ringaci.

Neha Sharma exited the 57kg competition in the round of 16 as India’s Greco-Roman campaign ended without a medal.

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