Kurash is a traditional martial art from Central Asia that was included in the Asian Games for the first time in 2018. India has won two medals in kurash at the Asian Games, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. The first silver medal for India was won by Pinky Balhara in the women’s 52kg category at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
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Balhara, a 19-year-old from Haryana, defeated Dildora Shermetova of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals but lost to Gulnor Sulaymanova of Uzbekistan in the final. Balhara’s silver medal was India’s first medal in kurash at the Asian Games.
The Bronze medal for India was won by Malaprabha Jadhav in the women’s 52kg category at the 2018 Asian Games. Jadhav, a 21-year-old from Maharashtra, defeated Bayarbatyn Baasanjargal of Mongolia in the quarterfinals but lost to Mukhlisa Abdumalikova of Uzbekistan in the final. Jadhav’s Bronze medal was India’s first Bronze medal in kurash at the Asian Games for India.
India has a good chance of winning more medals in kurash at future Asian Games. The country has a strong base of wrestlers and judokas, and kurash is a natural fit for these athletes.
In addition to Balhara and Jadhav, here are some other Indian athletes who have made significant contributions to kurash in recent years:
Monika Devi Chanu: A two-time world champion in kurash, Chanu is considered one of the best female kurash players in the world. She won a bronze medal in the women’s 52kg category at the 2018 Asian Games.
Naveen Kumar: A former national champion in wrestling, Kumar is one of the top male kurash players in India. He won a bronze medal in the men’s 66kg category at the 2018 Asian Games.
Harpreet Singh: A former national champion in judo, Singh is a rising star in kurash. He won a bronze medal in the men’s 81kg category at the 2019 World Championships.
These athletes are paving the way for India to become a major force in kurash in the years to come. With their hard work and dedication, India is sure to win more medals in kurash at future Asian Games and other international competitions.
