Indian wrestler Kajal Dhochak has scripted history at the ongoing World Wrestling Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to reach a final in a heavyweight category. The 18-year-old debutant, hailing from Sonipat, secured her place in the title clash after delivering a resilient performance in the 76kg division semifinals. She will now compete against reigning European champion Anastasiya Alpyeyeva of Ukraine for the gold medal.
The path to the final was marked by a remarkable display of composure and tactical skill. Facing the world number two and three-time World Championships medallist Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, Kajal found herself trailing 1-7 during the first period. The seasoned Kyrgyzstani wrestler had established early dominance, scoring four points from a headlock throw and adding two more for exposure, leaving the Indian debutant on the verge of defeat. However, Kajal managed to survive a pin attempt and shifted the momentum of the bout.
Displaying maturity beyond her years, the teenager launched a series of counter-attacks that narrowed the gap to 5-7 by the end of the first period. In the final three minutes, Kajal increased her intensity, targeting the legs of a tiring opponent. A crucial point for passivity followed by a double-leg attack allowed her to take an 8-7 lead. As the clock wound down, she utilized her agility to evade a final push by the Kyrgyzstani wrestler, successfully taking her down again to secure a decisive 10-7 victory.
Kajal’s journey to the final included an impressive 9-2 quarter-final victory over reigning Asian Champion Davaanasan Enkh Amar of Mongolia. Her opening round saw her register a win by fall against Lithuania’s Kamile Gaucaite. Her former coach and uncle, Krishan Dhochak, attributed her success to her mental fortitude, noting that she remains unfazed by the status of her opponents or the pressure of the stage.
The 18-year-old’s rapid ascension to the senior elite level follows a highly decorated junior career. In 2024, she claimed the U17 World title, followed by a gold medal at the 2025 U20 World Championships in the 72kg category and a silver medal in the 73kg U17 event. In 2026, she maintained a rigorous competitive schedule, participating in the U20 World Championships—where she defended her title—alongside several Ranking Series, U23, and Senior Asian Championships before making her senior debut at the ongoing World Championships.
Kajal began her training a decade ago, drawing inspiration from her uncle, a former heavyweight wrestler. Impressed by her clear potential and dedication, her family eventually moved her to the academy of former National coach Kuldeep Malik to pursue specialized training. This transition has proven fruitful, as she now stands on the threshold of securing India’s first-ever women’s world title in wrestling.
The upcoming final against Ukraine’s Anastasiya Alpyeyeva presents a significant challenge, though Kajal holds the advantage of having defeated her opponent previously in the Pro Wrestling League. As the tournament reaches its climax, the focus remains on the young athlete who has effectively transitioned from the junior ranks to the global stage in her very first year of senior competition.
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