Suraj Vashisht, a young wrestler from Haryana and former U17 world champion, has ended India’s six-year wait for a Greco-Roman gold at the Asian U20 Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On July 10, 2025, Suraj clinched the 60kg title after defeating home favourite Erbol Tilekmetovic in a thrilling final.
His victory has been hailed by Indian wrestling officials, coaches, and fans as a pivotal moment for the sport, sparking renewed hope for the future of Greco-Roman wrestling in India.
Suraj’s Road to Gold: A Story of Grit and Determination
Suraj’s journey to the top has been defined by relentless hard work and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Training at the renowned Guru Meharsingh Akhada in Haryana, he has honed his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches and the support of his family.
Throughout the tournament, Suraj faced some of Asia’s best young wrestlers, displaying tactical brilliance and mental toughness.
In the final, he overcame the challenge of wrestling against a local favourite in front of a passionate Kyrgyz crowd, executing his moves with precision and confidence to secure the gold medal.
A Resilient Comeback for Indian Greco-Roman Wrestling
This gold medal is particularly significant given the recent struggles faced by Indian Greco-Roman wrestling. The past few years have seen administrative turmoil, protests by senior athletes, and disruptions in national training camps, which have hindered the progress of many promising wrestlers.
Despite these setbacks, Suraj remained focused, drawing strength from the grassroots support system in Haryana and benefiting from targeted training camps organised by the Sports Authority of India.
His earlier achievement as the U17 World Champion in 2022 had already set high expectations, and this latest success has further cemented his status as a rising star.
Celebrations and Reactions: A Nation Inspired
Suraj’s victory has sparked celebrations in his home state of Haryana and across the Indian wrestling community. Local officials have announced plans to upgrade sports facilities in his village, hoping to inspire more children to take up wrestling.
The Wrestling Federation of India has publicly praised Suraj’s achievement, describing it as a turning point for Greco-Roman wrestling in the country. Coaches and former wrestlers have also lauded his dedication and discipline, calling him a role model for the next generation.
Social media has been abuzz with messages of congratulations and pride, with many fans expressing hope that Suraj’s success will motivate more youngsters to pursue the sport.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
The Wrestling Federation of India is now focused on capitalising on this momentum. Officials have announced plans to increase support for Greco-Roman wrestlers, including more international exposure trips, advanced coaching, and improved infrastructure.
There is a renewed emphasis on scouting and nurturing talent at the grassroots level, particularly in wrestling-strong states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.
Suraj’s story is expected to inspire a new wave of young athletes to take up Greco-Roman wrestling, a discipline where India has traditionally lagged behind freestyle wrestling.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Suraj Vashisht’s gold medal is not just a personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for Indian sports. His journey from a small village in Haryana to the top of the Asian wrestling podium exemplifies what can be achieved through perseverance, community support, and access to opportunities.
At The Logical Indian, we believe Suraj’s story should inspire a renewed commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and building an inclusive, supportive environment for all athletes. As we celebrate this historic achievement, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure that every talented child, regardless of background, has the resources and encouragement to pursue their dreams? What more can be done to support the next generation of Indian champions?
