Sujeet Kalkal wins Asian Games wrestling gold after Olympic heartbreak
· Sports · Times of India, The Hindu
Sujeet Kalkal secured India's first Asian Games wrestling gold in eight years by defeating Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 in the men's 65kg final. Two years prior, Kalkal missed the Paris Olympics qualifying tournament after being stranded in Dubai for three days due to floods. He fought back from a 2-9 deficit in the final to claim the Asian Games title. Kalkal dedicated the win to his perseverance, stating the medal represents years of overcoming setbacks. He now aims for gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, not just participation.
Why it matters
The victory ends India's eight-year wait for an Asian Games wrestling gold and inspires athletes facing similar setbacks. It highlights Kalkal's resilience and renews focus on India's wrestling prospects ahead of LA 2028.
Read the original report — Times of India
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