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World Wrestling C'ships: India script history as Neelam, Kajal settle for silver

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Competing in her debut senior Worlds, 18-year-old Kajal Dhochak earned silver in the 76kg category following an 8-6 defeat to Ukraine's Anastasiya Alpyeyeva. Kajal showed notable resilience throughout the event, having overcome a 7-1 deficit to defeat Kyrgyzstan's Aiperi Medet Kyzy 10-7 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Neelam Sirohi achieved a career milestone in the 50kg division after missing earlier Asian Games selection. She secured her silver medal after being pinned in the opening period by Japan's dominant five-time champion Yui Susaki.

Key points

  • The tournament marked the first time multiple Indian women reached the finals at a single…: The tournament marked the first time multiple Indian women reached the finals at a single senior World Championships.
  • Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi joined Anshu Malik as the only Indian female wrestlers to…: Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi joined Anshu Malik as the only Indian female wrestlers to win world silver medals.
  • Kajal proved her elite capabilities in her senior debut by repeatedly erasing deficits ag…: Kajal proved her elite capabilities in her senior debut by repeatedly erasing deficits against top international contenders.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: With 30 seconds left and the scores locked at 4-4, Kajal Dhochak stood on the brink of a golden finish. The 18-year-old Indian had fought her way back into contention, but just when victory appeared within reach, Ukraine’s Anastasiya Alpyeyeva struck decisively. Kajal’s spirited resistance ended in an agonising 6-8 defeat in the women’s 76kg final at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana on Wednesday.

The heartbreak, however, could not overshadow a landmark day for Indian wrestling. Kajal and Neelam Sirohi claimed silver medals, becoming the first Indian women to reach the finals of the same edition of the senior Worlds.

Kajal, competing at the senior Worlds for the first time, began the final on the back foot, trailing 1-3 after the opening three-minute period. She regrouped impressively in the second half, clawing her way back to level the contest at 4-4.

With the bout finely poised, Alpyeyeva, a two-time European champion, executed a crucial move and exposure angle to establish an 8-4 advantage. Kajal managed a late takedown, but the deficit proved insurmountable.

The silver capped an…

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