India’s Amruta Pujari won the silver medal in the women’s 72-kilogram category at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, United States, on Saturday, October 17. The Indian wrestler put together an impressive campaign to reach the final, where she faced Ukraine’s Iryna Zablotska in the gold-medal bout. Despite her efforts, Pujari lost the final 0-6, finishing second in the competition.
Her achievement added another medal to India’s tally at the championships, which are being held from October 12 to 18. According to reports citing a Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) press release, Pujari secured her place in the final after a series of strong performances, including victories by pinfall in the earlier rounds. Her silver medal also came alongside Komal’s bronze in the women’s 59-kilogram category and Vishvajit More’s historic silver in Greco-Roman wrestling, highlighting the Indian contingent’s achievements on the international stage.
Road To Final
Pujari’s journey to the podium was marked by determination and a series of competitive performances against international opponents. Competing in the women’s 72-kilogram division, she demonstrated her ability to finish bouts decisively, registering two consecutive victories by pinfall during the earlier stages of the tournament. These wins helped her progress through the competition and strengthened her position among the contenders for a medal. In the semi-final, Pujari faced China’s Wenjin Qiu in a closely contested encounter.
The Indian wrestler advanced to the gold-medal bout after overcoming her Chinese opponent, earning the opportunity to compete for the world title. The final, however, presented a formidable challenge in the form of Zablotska, who secured a 6-0 victory to claim the gold medal for Ukraine. Although Pujari fell short of the top spot, reaching the final of a global championship represents a significant achievement for a wrestler competing at the Under-23 level.
The result reflects the importance of sustained preparation, technical skill and composure when competing against some of the strongest emerging wrestlers from around the world. While the final score went against her, Pujari’s overall campaign demonstrated her ability to progress through a demanding international field and compete for a world title.
India’s Medal Tally
Pujari’s silver medal contributed to India’s growing medal count at the 2026 Under-23 World Wrestling Championships. She joined Komal, who won bronze in the women’s 59-kilogram category, and Vishvajit More, who secured silver in the men’s Greco-Roman 55-kilogram category. More’s performance was particularly significant, as he became the first Indian wrestler to win a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Under-23 World Championships.
His achievement followed two consecutive bronze-medal finishes at previous editions of the tournament. Komal, meanwhile, secured her place on the podium after defeating Kazakhstan’s Viktoriia Khusainova 7-2 in the bronze-medal bout. These results underline the contribution of Indian wrestlers across different categories and styles of the sport. The championships, organised under the United World Wrestling calendar, are being held in Las Vegas from October 12 to 18, bringing together promising wrestlers from several countries.
The Under-23 category serves as an important stage for athletes transitioning from junior competitions towards senior-level international wrestling. Success at this level can help young wrestlers gain valuable experience, build confidence and prepare for future continental and world championships. At the same time, the competition has drawn attention to challenges facing the Indian contingent. Reports indicated that several Indian wrestlers were unable to participate after their United States visa applications were denied, prompting criticism from WFI president Sanjay Singh.
The visa-related concerns have added another dimension to India’s campaign, highlighting how administrative hurdles can affect athletes’ opportunities to compete internationally. Against this backdrop, the medals won by Pujari, Komal and More represent important achievements for the athletes and Indian wrestling.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Amruta Pujari’s silver medal is a reminder that sporting success is built on perseverance, discipline and the courage to compete against the best, even when the final result does not go as hoped. While gold medals often receive the greatest attention, silver and bronze performances deserve recognition for the effort, preparation and sacrifices that make reaching an international podium possible.
Pujari’s campaign, alongside the achievements of Komal and Vishvajit More, also highlights the importance of creating an environment in which young athletes can develop their abilities without unnecessary barriers. Pujari’s achievement deserves celebration not only for the medal she brings home but also for the determination she has demonstrated on the world stage. How can India better support its young athletes so that talent, hard work and sporting spirit receive the opportunities and recognition they deserve?
