Indian Women Wrestlers Shine In Budapest As Priya Claims Silver, Manisha Wins Bronze

Indian women wrestlers continued their impressive run at the 4th Ranking Series – Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial 2025, being held in Budapest, Hungary.

On Saturday, India secured two more medals as Priya Malik claimed silver in the 76 kg category and Manisha added a bronze, showcasing the growing dominance of Indian women on the global wrestling mat.

Young wrestling star Priya Malik demonstrated exceptional grit and technique in the 76 kg division.

After receiving a bye in the qualification round, she overcame Kazakhstan’s Almira Syzdykova with a 7-2 victory.

She carried her momentum into the semi-final, overpowering Valeriia (UWW) through technical superiority with an 11-1 win.

In the final, Priya faced Brazil’s Martins Machado in a closely contested bout. Despite a strong effort, she narrowly lost 4-3, settling for a well-earned silver medal.

The former World U20 Champion continues to emerge as a major force in Indian wrestling.

Bronze for Manisha After Repechage Comeback

Manisha, an Asian Champion, bounced back impressively to earn bronze in her category. She received a bye in the opening round but unexpectedly lost to Amina Tandelova by technical superiority in the quarter-finals.

However, Amina’s advance to the final allowed Manisha a chance in the repechage.

Seizing the opportunity, she defeated France’s Ameline Douarre by fall, and then dominated Krystsina Sazykina in the bronze medal match, again winning by fall.

Manisha’s determination under pressure secured another podium finish for India.

In contrast, Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers endured a difficult day, with none reaching medal contention on Saturday.

However, events in other weight classes are scheduled to continue on Sunday, keeping hopes alive for a stronger showing in the discipline.

Earlier in the tournament, Indian women wrestlers celebrated two gold medals.

Olympian Antim Panghal triumphed in the 53 kg category, defeating Russia’s Natalia Malysheva 7-4 in the final, marking her second international gold of the year.

Harshita also clinched gold in her weight class, adding to India’s growing wrestling success.

With a total of four medals already secured – including two gold, one silver, and one bronze – Indian women continue to rise as a formidable presence in international wrestling.

Their performances in Budapest reflect both growing depth and global competitiveness in India’s wrestling landscape.

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