Priya Malik of India created history in women’s wrestling
In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian women’s wrestling, Priya Malik secured a historic victory by claiming the world champion title at the 2023 U20 World Championships. This marked a remarkable progression for the former World Cadet champion, who had previously won a silver medal in the 2022 U20 World Championships. Competing in the women’s 76kg category, Priya accomplished this feat, becoming only the second Indian female wrestler to clinch a gold medal at the Junior World Championships.
During the final match held in Amman, Priya Malik exhibited her prowess by defeating Laura Celine Kuehn from Germany with a resounding score of 6-0 points. The 18-year-old athlete hails from Nidani village in the Jind district of Haryana.
Priya, who had already secured the title of U17 world champion twice, showcased significant improvements in her technique, displaying a robust defense strategy along with a variety of offensive moves. Unlike her previous year’s final against Ayano Moro of Japan, this time Malik demonstrated a broader range of attacking maneuvers, and Kuehn struggled to gain access to Malik’s legs throughout the match.
