Sujeet Kalkal Targets Ground Game Ahead of World Championships

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal is focusing on improving his ground game ahead of the World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, which begin on October 24, 2026. The 23-year-old wants to return to training quickly after winning gold in the men’s 65 kg freestyle category at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Kalkal defeated Japan’s Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka in the semi-final before staging a comeback against Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final. He recovered from a 2-9 deficit to win the gold medal.

Speaking at an interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kalkal said celebrations and public functions could distract him from his preparations.

“After winning the Asian Games medal, there are some distractions like functions and everything. But I want to go back to the mat as soon as possible,” he said.

Kalkal’s Asian Games victory added to an impressive run in the 65 kg category. He also received the Raja Randhir Singh award for the best Indian male athlete at the 2026 Asian Games.

However, he recognises that the World Championships will present a tougher challenge. Iranian wrestler Rahman Amouzadkhalili, who defeated Kalkal at last year’s World Championships, is among the opponents he will need to prepare for. American wrestler Bowen Bassett is another competitor to watch.

Improving his ground wrestling is a key priority for Kalkal before the competition. His coach, Kuldeep Singh, said Kalkal had conceded points by allowing opponents to gain advantageous positions on the mat, including during the Asian Games final.

Kalkal said both his coaches, Kuldeep Singh and Bentinidis Shako, had asked him to improve his positioning, attack more effectively on the ground and defend better when he loses an attacking position.

With the World Championships approaching, Kalkal will focus on correcting past mistakes, strengthening his ground game and maintaining his attacking approach.

The competition in Kazakhstan will test his progress against elite international wrestlers. After his Asian Games triumph, his immediate goal was to sharpen the areas of his wrestling that could make the difference in closely contested bouts.