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Asian Games 2026: Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has won the gold medal in the men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling category after a thrilling victory over Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev. Sujeet came from behind to secure a dramatic 10-9 victory in the gold medal match.
The 23-year-old wrestler had an impressive run throughout the competition. Before reaching the final, Sujeet produced a major upset by defeating Japan’s Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka in the semifinal.
His gold medal victory became even more memorable because he was trailing 2-9 in the final before turning the match around with a remarkable comeback.
Sujeet Kalkal Wins 65kg Wrestling Gold at Asian Games 2026
Sujeet Kalkal delivered a standout performance in the men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling event at the Asian Games 2026.
The Indian wrestler faced a strong challenge from Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final. Despite falling behind early, Sujeet maintained his composure and continued to attack.
He eventually overturned the deficit and finished the contest with a 10-9 win, securing the gold medal for India.
Olympic Champion Kotaro Kiyooka Falls to Sujeet Kalkal in Semifinal
Sujeet had already made headlines before the final after defeating Japan’s Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka in the semifinal.
The contest was closely fought, with both wrestlers ending the bout at 3-3. Sujeet advanced to the final under the applicable wrestling criteria.
The victory over an Olympic champion gave Sujeet the opportunity to fight for the Asian Games gold medal in the 65kg category.
Sujeet Kalkal Turns 2-9 Deficit Into Thrilling 10-9 Victory
The gold medal bout against Abdulmazhid Kudiev was a major test for the Indian wrestler.
Kudiev managed to establish a 9-2 lead, putting Sujeet under significant pressure. However, the Indian wrestler refused to give up and changed the momentum of the contest.
Sujeet produced a stunning late comeback, scoring points in quick succession to close the gap. He eventually moved ahead 10-9 and protected his lead until the end.
The dramatic comeback helped Sujeet complete one of the most memorable victories of his Asian Games campaign.
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Abdulmazhid Kudiev Gives Sujeet a Tough Fight in Gold Medal Match
Kudiev started the final strongly and made it difficult for Sujeet to find his rhythm.
The Tajikistan wrestler built a seven-point advantage, but Sujeet responded with a series of attacking moves. The Indian wrestler gradually reduced the deficit before taking the lead for the first time at 10-9.
With the final moments becoming increasingly tense, Sujeet held on to his advantage and secured the gold medal.
Sujeet Kalkal’s Road to the Asian Games 2026 Final
Sujeet produced convincing performances on his way to the gold medal bout.
He defeated Afghanistan’s Syed Omar Zazai 13-3 in the earlier round. In the quarterfinal, he faced Iran’s Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkuhi and secured a dominant victory by technical superiority without conceding a point.
His biggest challenge came in the semifinal against Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka. After the closely contested 3-3 bout, Sujeet progressed to the final.
Sujeet Kalkal Finishes Asian Games Campaign With Historic Gold
Sujeet Kalkal ended his Asian Games 2026 campaign with a gold medal after overcoming two major challenges in the final stages of the competition.
First, he defeated an Olympic champion to reach the final. Then, despite trailing 2-9 against Abdulmazhid Kudiev, he produced a dramatic comeback to win 10-9.
The 23-year-old Indian wrestler has now added an Asian Games gold medal to his list of major wrestling achievements.
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