Reigning U20 world champion Kajal clinched gold in the women’s 76kg category at the Budapest Ranking Series in Budapest, delivering India’s third top-podium finish of the tournament. Kajal edged USA’s Dymond Precious Guilford in a tense gold-medal bout that finished 3-3, with the Indian wrestler taking the title on criteria.
India also added two silver medals through campaigns in the 53kg and 57kg divisions, while Nishu secured a bronze in 53kg. The results pushed India’s overall tally at the ranking series to 12 medals, comprising three gold, four silver, and five bronze.
Kajal holds nerve in 76kg final to seal gold on criteria
Kajal’s championship match against Guilford was described as a gripping, high-stakes contest. With the score locked at 3-3 at the end of the bout, the gold medal was decided on criteria, and Kajal held her nerve to be declared the winner.
The victory underlined a strong day for India in women’s wrestling at the event, as the contingent continued to stack podium finishes across multiple weight categories. Kajal’s gold was also significant because it marked India’s third gold medal of the tournament, strengthening the team’s overall medal haul in Budapest.
Two more finals, two silvers for India
In the 53kg championship final, Antim Panghal had to settle for silver after conceding her gold-medal bout against Sweden’s Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren due to an injury (VIN). The result still added a valuable medal to India’s tally, even as Panghal was unable to complete the title clash.
In the 57kg category, Neha Sharma produced an impressive run to reach the final. In the title bout, Sharma faced China’s Kexin Hong and fought valiantly, but she was beaten 0-4 on points to finish with silver.
Nishu earns bronze in 53kg with criteria win
India’s additional podium finish came in the 53kg division, where Nishu claimed a hard-fought bronze medal. In a tightly contested tactical battle against Romania’s Andrea Beatrice Ana, Nishu showed strong defensive resilience as the bout ended 2-2.
With the score level, the bronze-medal decision also went to criteria, and Nishu was declared the winner on that basis (VPO1), securing her place on the podium.
India reach 12 medals in Budapest, focus shifts to Greco-Roman
With Kajal’s gold, silvers from Panghal and Sharma, and Nishu’s bronze, India’s medal count at the Budapest Ranking Series rose to 12 overall: three gold, four silver, and five bronze. The contingent will now shift focus to the upcoming Greco-Roman weight categories as India looks to close the ranking series on a strong note.
