Sakura Onishi’s remarkable run at the U20 level reached another milestone in Bratislava as the Japanese star captured her third consecutive U20 World Championship gold medal, this time competing in the 62kg category.
Onishi defeated India’s Savita, a former U17 world champion, 12–2 by technical superiority in the gold-medal bout on Thursday. The victory extended one of the most dominant records in recent U20 wrestling and underlined Onishi’s ability to succeed even after moving up a weight class.
A Champion Across Three Weight-Class Journeys
Onishi had previously ruled the 59kg division at the U20 World Championships, winning gold in Pontevedra in 2024 and Samokov in 2025. Remarkably, she did not surrender a single point during either championship campaign.
For the 2026 edition, Onishi stepped up to 62kg, an Olympic weight category. The change brought a new challenge, but the outcome remained familiar: another gold medal.
Her title-winning campaign in Bratislava included five technical-superiority victories, with scores of 11–0, 13–2, 10–0, 10–0 and 12–2.
Savita Shows Resistance, But Onishi Takes Control
The final began with Onishi immediately asserting herself. She built a 6–0 advantage, putting Savita under pressure from the opening exchanges.
Savita, who has already tasted world success at the U17 level, managed to register a takedown and put two points on the scoreboard. It was significant because Onishi had previously completed two consecutive U20 World Championship campaigns without conceding a point.
However, the brief setback did not change the direction of the contest. Onishi regained control, continued to attack and eventually secured a 12–2 technical superiority victory.
For Onishi, the result was about more than another medal. It also ended the pressure surrounding her remarkable zero-point record.
“Since this is my third victory, the feeling is one of relief,” Onishi said after the final.
The Numbers Behind Onishi’s Dominance
Onishi’s U20 record is now extraordinary. Across three championships, she has won 13 bouts, with every victory coming by either fall or technical superiority.
Her opponents have managed only four points across those 13 victories, while Onishi has scored 136 points.
U20 World Championship record:
3 gold medals
13 victories
136 points scored
4 points conceded
13 wins by fall or technical superiority
2024: Gold at 59kg
2025: Gold at 59kg
2026: Gold at 62kg
From Junior Champion to Senior World Champion
Onishi’s success is not limited to the junior circuit. The Japanese wrestler also became a senior world champion at 59kg in 2025, defeating Ukraine’s Maria Vynnyk 17–8 before winning by fall.
She has therefore already collected U17, U20 and senior world titles, placing her among the most accomplished young wrestlers of her generation.
The next target is the U23 World Championships, where Onishi will be eligible from next year. Beyond that, her biggest ambition is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Road to Los Angeles
Onishi knows the path to Olympic gold will be considerably harder. Japan already has world-class competition in the 62kg division, including Olympic champion Sakura Motoki and world champion Nonoka Ozaki.
Yet Onishi sees that competition as part of her development.
Her third U20 title is therefore more than another addition to her medal collection. It is another step in the transition from junior dominance to senior-level Olympic ambition.
At just 20, Onishi has already conquered the U17 and U20 stages and reached the top of the senior world championships. Her latest Bratislava triumph suggests that the next phase of her career could be even more significant.
Key Result
U20 World Championships, Bratislava – Women’s 62kg Final
Sakura Onishi (Japan) def. Savita (India), 12–2 by technical superiority
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