At the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Sitender Malik clinched a gold in the 60kg category, matching Sushil Kumar by winning two cadet world titles. India’s tally swelled to an impressive 13 medals across genders, underscoring a new era of dominance.

Key Takeaways

  • Sitender Malik won his second U17 world title, joining Sushil Kumar as the only Indian men with two cadet titles.
  • India finished the tournament with a total of 13 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze).
  • The performance signals a resurgence of Indian freestyle wrestling at the youth level.

Historical Background

Sushil Kumar captured back‑to‑back Cadet World titles in 1998 and 1999, setting a benchmark for Indian wrestling. Two decades later, Sitender followed the same trajectory, defending his 2025 crown and adding a second in 2026, reviving that legacy.

Championship Highlights

In Baku, Azerbaijan, the 17‑year‑old Sitender defeated Russia’s Sergei Karmrian 3‑1 to claim gold in the 60kg division. The same day, 45kg hopeful Hanumant Rajendra Jadhav secured bronze with a 7‑1 win over Iran’s Mahdi Davoud Damercheli, while Saksham FNU earned bronze in the 92kg bout, edging Iran’s Mohammad Reza Behrang Isazadeh 3‑2.

WrestlerCadet World TitlesYears
Sushil Kumar21998, 1999
Sitender Malik22025, 2026

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that sustained success at the cadet level builds a pipeline of talent capable of delivering Olympic medals, positioning India as a future powerhouse in freestyle wrestling.

"Sitender’s technical precision and composure under pressure set a new standard for the next generation of Indian wrestlers," said a senior national coach.
Did You Know?: At just 17, Sitender became only the second Indian male freestyle wrestler to win two cadet world titles, a feat previously achieved only by Sushil Kumar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are Sitender’s goals after this victory?
A: His team aims to transition him to the junior and senior circuits, targeting the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics.

Q2: How many medals did India win overall?
A: India amassed 13 medals – four gold, five silver, and four bronze – across both men’s freestyle and women’s events.