15 June,2026 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
WFI squad (Pic: ANI)
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced the Indian squad for the upcoming U-17 World Wrestling Championships, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 27 to August 2, 2026.
The selected players will head to Baku looking to continue India's recent good run and solidify the nation's status as a global heavyweight in junior wrestling. The Indian squad arrives on the back of two dominant international campaigns at the U-17 World Wrestling Championships, with the Women's Wrestling contingent reigning supreme in the previous two editions, the release said.
Speaking on the squad selection, WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh stated, "These trials have showcased the phenomenal depth of our junior wrestling ecosystem. By ensuring a strictly fair and fiercely competitive selection process, we have identified the absolute best young talent in the country. I am confident this battle-ready squad will deliver outstanding results and bring glory to India in Baku."
The Greco-Roman discipline was anchored by an absolute masterclass from Maharashtra's grapplers, who claimed five top spots, including Sachin Shirole (45kg) and Rajvardhan Patil (92kg). Uttar Pradesh added two more spots, while athletes from Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana secured one top finish each to complete the national roster ahead of the team's departure for Azerbaijan.
In 2024, the women's team made history in Amman by winning their first-ever overall team title with a massive 185 points, securing five golds, one silver, and two bronzes. They successfully defended this crown last year in Athens, with four golds, four silvers, and one bronze medal.
Entering this year's tournament with momentum, the 2026 squad will aim to secure a historic three-peat and keep the Champion Trophy firmly in India.
Women's Wrestling (WW)
Rohini Khanu Devba (36-40kg), Diksha (43kg), Sandhya (46kg), Kamna Babal (49kg), Akshara (53kg), Nikita Sehrawat (57kg), Avanshika (61kg), Antra (65kg), Taniya (69kg), Garima (73kg).
Men's Freestyle (FS)
Hanumant Rajendra (45kg), Aaryan (48kg), Govind (51kg), Prathmesh (55kg), Satinder (60kg), Krishan (65kg), Anuj (71kg), Deepanshu Khokhar (80kg), Saksham (92kg), Arush Rana (110kg).
Greco-Roman (GR)
Sachin Shirole (45kg), Avinash Chetak (48kg), Dhiraj Dhapale (51kg), Hariom (55kg), Darpan Chaudhari (60kg), Kunal Dagar (65kg), Pranam Singh (71kg), Suraj Sharma (80kg), Rajvardhan Patil (92kg), Harsh Dalal (110kg).
(With ANI inputs)
