India Set for Wrestling Campaign at Asian Games 2026

India is poised to launch its wrestling campaign at the Asian Games 2026, with the sport scheduled to commence on the 11th day of the multi-sport event. As the nation looks to bolster its current medal count of 52—comprising six gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze—the wrestling squad enters the fray with high expectations for a strong showing across multiple weight categories.

The opening day of the wrestling competition, September 30, will see notable athletes take to the mat. Nisha Dahiya is set to compete in the women's 68kg division, where she faces an opening-round challenge against Pak Sol Gum of DPR Korea. Simultaneously, Asian Games medallist Sunil Kumar will represent India in the men's Greco-Roman 87kg category. Should these athletes navigate their initial rounds successfully, they will remain in contention for the medal bouts scheduled for later that afternoon.

The focus turns to freestyle and additional women's categories on October 2 and 3. Dipanshi (50kg), Priya Malik (76kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), and Rajat Ruhal (125kg) are scheduled for action on October 2. The final day of the wrestling program, October 3, will feature Antim Panghal (53kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57kg), Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Sagar Jaglan (74kg), and Deepak Punia (97kg).

For all events, qualification and repechage rounds are slated to begin at 7 AM IST. The medal finals are scheduled to take place in the afternoon sessions, typically starting from 2:30 PM IST onwards, providing a clear path for the Indian contingent to add to their overall medal tally as the Asian Games reach their closing stages.