India Wrestling at Asian Games 2026: Bajrang, Vinesh and the 2026 Squad

India Wrestling at Asian Games 2026

Wrestling is one of India’s highest-priority sports at the Asian Games, producing multiple medals at each edition. India competes in freestyle (men’s and women’s) and Greco-Roman events, with its strongest performances consistently coming in freestyle. The country has produced Asian Games medalists in almost every weight category from 57kg up to 97kg in men’s freestyle, and across women’s freestyle weight classes from 50kg to 76kg.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) runs centralized training camps at the SAI (Sports Authority of India) national training centre in Lucknow and Sonepat, feeding athletes into the senior national squad.

Key Athletes

Bajrang Punia, a two-time Asian Games medallist and world bronze medallist, remains a reference point for India’s 65kg men’s freestyle strength, though the 2026 squad is likely to feature a new generation given the governance turbulence at WFI since 2022. Vinesh Phogat, who reached the Paris 2024 Olympic final, anchors the women’s squad at 50kg. Antim Panghal (53kg) and Nisha Dahiya (68kg) represent strong medal prospects in women’s freestyle.

Asian Competition Context

India’s primary rivals in wrestling are Japan (particularly in men’s Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle), Kazakhstan (men’s freestyle heavier weights), Iran (Greco-Roman), and South Korea. China competes primarily in women’s freestyle and has won multiple Asian Games golds in lighter weight classes.

Key Facts

Official source: United World Wrestling