U23 Asian Championships: Mohit & Chandermohan Strike Gold As India Win 9 Medals In Vietnam

Indian freestyle wrestlers claimed nine medals at the U23 Asian Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Tuesday. Kumar Mohit and Chandermohan struck gold in 65kg and 79kg. Deepak won silver in 61kg, while another Deepak earned 74kg bronze.

These results lifted India’s freestyle medal count to six on day four. They followed Monday’s gold medals by Akshay T Dhere in 57kg and Vicky in 97kg. Overall, Indian wrestlers now have four golds, three silvers, and two bronze medals.

Mohit dominated his 65kg final against Kyrgyzstan’s Oskonbai A. Abdisamatov. He controlled the bout and posted a clear 12-4 win. Later, Chandermohan edged Kazakhstan’s Yerkhan Abil 7-6 in a tense 79kg final for another gold.

In the 61kg title clash, Deepak drew 4-4 with Kazakhstan’s Nurdanat Aitanov. The criteria went against the Indian wrestler, and he settled for silver. In the 74kg bronze medal bout, Deepak beat Turkmenistan’s Vatan Annairazov 10-0 with a strong technical display.

“The freestyle squad has shown great consistency over the last two days. Winning four golds, two silvers and two bronze medals in freestyle so far is a very positive sign for us. Mohit and Chandermohan wrestled beautifully today to win their titles, and both Deepaks gave it their all on the mat. I congratulate the boys and the coaching staff for these results, and we are hopeful for more medals by the end of the day,” said Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh.

There were more medals in the heavier weights for India. Kumar Punit took silver in 92kg after a 1-12 loss. He fell to Kyrgyzstan’s Ulukbek Soorombekov in the championship bout. Mor Sachin grabbed an 86kg bronze by defeating Boburbek Ruzimboev 4-1.

In the 125kg division, Lacky finished with a silver medal. He lost 0-10 to Kazakhstan’s Rizabek Aitmukhan in the final. Despite the defeat, his run added to India’s strong freestyle results in Da Nang.

Freestyle action in Da Nang is still continuing into the evening session. Two more Indian wrestlers are due to contest their medal bouts. Their results will decide the final freestyle medal haul for India at these championships.