Nagoya (Japan): Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the Asian Games to win the men’s 65kg freestyle gold medal on Friday.

Kalkal defeated Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 in a tense final after trailing 2-9. With the title seemingly beyond his reach, the 23-year-old launched a determined fightback, reducing the deficit before scoring a series of takedowns in the closing stages.

The decisive move came with around 50 seconds remaining, when Kalkal moved ahead 10-9. He then defended his narrow advantage to complete a memorable victory and claim India’s first wrestling gold of the Games.

Kalkal had earlier overcome reigning Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka of Japan in the semifinals. The bout ended 3-3, but the Indian advanced on criteria after scoring the bigger move. The victory was among the most significant of his emerging career.

He had also recorded commanding wins over Afghanistan’s Sayed Omar Zazai and Iran’s Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi on his route to the final. Against Iran, Kalkal secured a 10-0 victory by technical superiority.

The gold strengthens India’s presence in the 65kg category, previously won by Yogeshwar Dutt in 2014 and Bajrang Punia in 2018. Kalkal’s triumph restores the weight class to the top of the Asian Games podium after India missed out in 2022.

The wrestler is also the reigning U23 world champion and won the Asian Championships earlier this year. His Asian Games success further establishes him as one of India’s leading wrestlers and a potential long-term successor to the country’s celebrated 65kg stars.

Kalkal’s ability to recover under pressure and defeat an Olympic champion before winning a close final marks a major breakthrough in his senior career.