Priya Malik of India has etched her name in the annals of women’s wrestling history by clinching the coveted world champion title at the 2023 U20 World Championships.
Previously a World Cadet champion, Priya Malik elevated her status by securing the gold medal in the women’s 76kg category, marking a remarkable progression from her silver medal achievement in the 2022 U20 World Championships. Her victory establishes her as the second Indian women’s wrestler to seize gold in the Junior World championships.
In the finals held in Amman, Priya Malik displayed her dominance by triumphing over Germany’s Laura Celine Kuehn with a decisive score of 6-0. Her remarkable performance showcased solid defense and a range of diverse attacks, demonstrating her growth as an athlete. Unlike her final bout last year against Japan’s Ayano Moro, Malik showcased a wider array of offensive options, often eluding Kuehn’s attempts to engage her legs.
Reflecting on her victory, Priya Malik stated, “I was much better prepared for this final than last year. I worked on my power and even defense so I can take this world champion belt home,” as reported by United World Wrestling (UWW) on its official website.
Hailing from the Nidani village in Haryana’s Jind district, the 18-year-old wrestler and daughter of an Indian Army veteran secured India’s second gold medal in the tournament. This accomplishment follows male wrestler Mohit Kumar’s gold victory over Russia’s Eldar Akhmadudinov, making him the first Indian wrestler since Deepak Punia in 2019 to be crowned U20 World Champion.
Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, extended his congratulations to Priya Malik for her exceptional achievement. Notably, she had previously secured a gold medal in the 2021 World Cadet Wrestling Championship and a bronze medal in this year’s Asian wrestling championship held in Astana.
Thakur expressed his praise via Twitter, stating, “Congratulations to #TOPScheme wrestler Priya Malik on being crowned World Champion in the Women’s 76kg, scripting history to become only the 2nd Indian Women Wrestler to win GOLD at the Junior Worlds.”
He added, “Fantastic effort, Champ! Wishing you continued success in the future.” Priya Malik’s journey to gold included a dominant semifinal victory against Alexis Blades Kennedy of the United States with a score of 10-0 and a quarterfinal win over Aliaksandra Kazalova of Russia by an impressive 11-0 margin.
-IANS
