Neha Wins Gold as India’s Medal Tally Reaches Eight at Budapest Wrestling Ranking Tournament

Budapest, July 18: India continued its impressive run at the Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament 2026 with former U17 World Champion Neha clinching the gold medal in the women’s 59kg category, taking the country’s overall medal tally to eight medals after the third day of competition in the Hungarian capital.

Neha showcased remarkable composure and tactical maturity to defeat the United States’ Abigail E. Nette in a closely fought final. In a contest where both wrestlers displayed disciplined defence and calculated attacks, the Indian grappler held her nerve to register a 6-4 victory on points (VPO1). The triumph marked India’s second gold medal of the tournament after Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat opened the campaign with a title-winning performance in the men’s freestyle 57kg category.

The victory also highlighted Neha’s growing stature on the senior international circuit, as she continued her breakthrough season with another significant achievement against quality opposition.

India enjoyed further success in the women’s 62kg division, adding both a silver and a bronze medal to its tally. Mansi battled her way into the final and looked set for a strong challenge against Canada’s Ana P. Godinez Gonzalez. However, an unfortunate injury during the gold medal bout forced her to settle for the silver medal.

Meanwhile, Savita delivered one of India’s most dominant performances of the day in the bronze medal contest. Displaying aggressive attacking wrestling and superior technique, she defeated Kazakhstan’s Irina Kuznetsova by a commanding 14-5 margin to secure the bronze.

The latest medals took India’s overall haul to eight medals, comprising two gold, two silver and four bronze, underlining the team’s consistent performances across both men’s freestyle and women’s wrestling events.

India had already opened its account on Thursday when former U23 World Championship silver medallist Hansika Lamba claimed silver in the women’s 55kg category. Hansika produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament in her semifinal, overturning a 2-7 deficit against Germany’s Anastasia Blayvas with a series of spectacular takedowns to record a 10-7 victory and qualify for the final.

The competition now moves into the remaining women’s weight categories and the opening rounds of the Greco-Roman competition.

India’s women’s challenge on Saturday will feature Nishu (53kg), Neha Sharma (57kg), Deeksha Malik (72kg) and Priya (76kg). In Greco-Roman wrestling, Anil will compete in the 72kg category, while Rohit Bura and Kumar Sunil will represent India in the 87kg division as the country looks to further improve its medal tally.

India Medal Tally (Up to Day 3)

Overall Medal Tally: 8 Medals — 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze

With several medal events still to come, India will aim to build on its strong start and finish the prestigious ranking tournament on a high note.

Team Maverick.