India Secure Double Podium at Wrestling Ranking Series

India continued its strong run on the international wrestling circuit as Priyanshi Prajapat and Muskan secured a double podium finish in the women’s 50kg category at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Albania.

The achievement marks India’s second consecutive double podium in the 50kg division this season, reinforcing the country’s growing strength in women’s freestyle wrestling.

Silver and Bronze for India

Priyanshi Prajapat delivered an impressive campaign to reach the final, where she faced Kazakhstan’s Zeinep Bayanaova. Despite a spirited effort, Priyanshi fell 2-13 in the gold medal bout, earning a commendable silver medal.

Meanwhile, Muskan showcased dominant form in the bronze medal playoff, defeating the USA’s Kendra Ryan 10-0 in a commanding technical superiority victory. Her clinical performance ensured India secured two podium finishes in the same weight class.

The result follows a similar achievement at the Zagreb Open earlier this season, where Neelam claimed silver and Muskan added a bronze, highlighting consistent depth in India’s lower weight categories.

India’s Overall Medal Tally

With the double podium in Albania, India’s medal count after the first two days of the tournament stands at three. The campaign was kick-started by Sujeet Kalkal, who clinched gold on the opening day, setting a positive tone for the contingent.

However, India narrowly missed out on additional podium finishes. Pushpa (women’s 55kg), Sagar Jaglan (men’s 79kg), and Jointy Kumar (men’s 97kg) each fell short in their respective bronze medal bouts, finishing just outside medal contention.

In men’s freestyle, several wrestlers experienced early exits, including Punit Kumar (92kg), Akash (97kg), Vicky (97kg), Ronak (125kg), and Rajat (125kg), reflecting the high level of competition at the ranking series event.

Significance of the Ranking Series

The Muhamet Malo Ranking Series forms part of the United World Wrestling (UWW) calendar and carries crucial ranking points that influence international seedings. Strong performances in such events are vital as wrestlers build momentum ahead of major championships and Olympic qualification pathways.

India’s back-to-back double podium finishes in the 50kg category indicate strategic progress in nurturing competitive talent in women’s freestyle wrestling. The consistent podium presence underscores the impact of focused training programs and exposure to high-level competition.

What Lies Ahead

The women’s freestyle competition will continue across four additional weight categories, offering further opportunities for India to strengthen its medal tally. Simultaneously, the first two men’s Greco-Roman weight categories are scheduled to commence on Friday, broadening India’s medal prospects.

As the tournament progresses, India’s wrestlers will aim to convert near-misses into podium finishes and build on the early success delivered by Priyanshi, Muskan, and Sujeet Kalkal.

The double podium in Albania not only boosts team morale but also signals India’s sustained rise in global women’s wrestling — a trend that continues to shape the nation’s competitive profile on the international stage.