Nagoya, Oct 2026 : India’s Aman Sehrawat produced a stunning comeback to defeat reigning world champion Han Chong-song 11-7 and win the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 on Friday.
Competing at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center, Aman became the first Indian wrestler to win an Asian Games gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category. His victory also gave India two gold medals in men’s freestyle wrestling at the Games.
Aman appeared firmly in control after taking a 6-1 lead in the second half of the final. However, the North Korean world champion staged a remarkable comeback, scoring three two-point moves to move ahead 7-6 with the contest entering its closing stages.
With time running out, Aman responded decisively. The Indian secured four crucial points through a takedown and a roll to regain the lead at 10-7. Han challenged the scoring, but the appeal was unsuccessful and he was penalised with an additional point, taking Aman’s advantage to 11-7.
The Indian then defended effectively during the final 30 seconds to complete a memorable victory and secure the gold medal.
The triumph adds another major achievement to Aman’s growing international record. He won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and also claimed bronze at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. His performance in Nagoya has now seen him upgrade his Asian Games medal to gold.
Aman entered the final after a series of impressive performances. He began his campaign with a commanding 20-9 technical superiority victory over Japan’s Yamato Ogawa before producing another dominant display against Kazakhstan’s Nurdanat Aitanov, whom he defeated 12-1 in the quarterfinals.
His semifinal against Tajikistan’s Aiaal Belolyubskii was particularly dramatic. Aman trailed 2-6 after the opening period but completely changed the complexion of the bout in the second. He scored 12 points while conceding only two, completing a remarkable 14-8 comeback victory to book his place in the final.
Earlier, Sujeet Kalkal had ended India’s wait for a wrestling gold at the 2026 Asian Games by winning the men’s freestyle 65kg title. Sujeet overcame Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiyev 10-9 in a dramatic final.
The 23-year-old Indian trailed 2-9 for most of the contest but produced a sensational late rally, scoring eight consecutive points to overturn the deficit and clinch the gold.
With Sujeet and Aman both winning gold, India have secured two men’s freestyle wrestling titles at the same Asian Games for the first time since 1978, underlining a significant achievement for the country’s wrestling contingent.
