Neha Sangwan, a young wrestler from Balai, Haryana, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Under-17 World title in the 57 kg category. This triumph comes just a week after she welcomed her idol, Vinesh Phogat, with a garland of currency notes.
Sangwan’s victory in Amman, Jordan, was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She defeated Japan’s So Tsutsui by technical superiority (10-0) in the final, becoming a world champion.
Her success is particularly significant as it aligns with Vinesh Phogat’s plea for more young girls to take up wrestling. Sangwan, who played a key role in Vinesh’s hero’s welcome in Balai, took the champion wrestler’s words to heart and delivered an inspiring performance.
“This title is for Vinesh didi and all the women wrestlers,” Sangwan said after the final bout. “Vinesh didi remains an inspiration for us all, and this world title will inspire the women wrestlers back in Balali village as well as India too.”
Sangwan’s journey began in 2016 when she joined Mahavir Phogat’s academy in Jhojhu Kalan. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning junior national medals and becoming a Haryana state champion. Seeking new challenges, she switched to the Krishan akhada, where coach Sajan Singh Mandola refined her skills.
Mandola focused on strengthening Sangwan’s defense, which had been a weakness, by increasing her speed and agility through rigorous training. Her hard work paid off, earning her the Asian Under-15 title in 2019 and a bronze medal at the World Cadet Wrestling Championships in Turkey.
Sangwan’s success continued this year, winning the Asian U-17 Wrestling Championship in Jordan and culminating in her recent world championship title. She credits Vinesh Phogat as a source of inspiration, whose achievements and encouragement have motivated her to strive for Olympic greatness.
Sangwan’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of women’s wrestling in India. It is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
