India celebrated a proud moment at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain when 17-year-old Yashita Rana won gold in the Girls’ 61kg Freestyle Wrestling category, winning the country’s first wrestling title at the tournament. After falling behind early in the final, the Delhi grappler staged a stunning comeback to overcome Kazakhstan’s Zhaidar Mukat 6-5 on criteria. Her decisive last-point effort secured victory, demonstrating her composure and determination under pressure.
Yashita’s journey from Qutubgarh in Delhi to the top of the podium took years of unwavering dedication. After earning silver at the U17 World Championships, she used the opportunity to improve her skills and mental strength. In Bahrain, she opened her campaign with a decisive 6-0 semifinal victory over Kyrgyzstan’s Akylai Chynybaeva, displaying excellent control and counterattacking precision.
The gold medal not only represents a personal milestone for Yashita but also a huge victory for Indian wrestling, which is making its debut in the Asian Youth Games. Her victory brought India’s total medal count to 26, underscoring the country’s growing success in youth sports.
Yashita’s victory serves as an encouragement for new athletes and demonstrates India’s growing prominence in women’s wrestling.
