Japan Eyes Wrestling Crown as Susaki, Ozaki Lead World Title Charge
Japan Targets Women’s Wrestling Gold at World Championships
Japan heads into the 2026 World Wrestling Championships aiming to continue its remarkable run in women’s wrestling. The country has not lost the women’s team title at a World Championships since 2012 and will be targeting another strong campaign in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1. <Cite refs={[“turn388088search0″,”turn388088search2”]}/>
Four leading contenders headline Japan’s challenge: four-time world champion Yui Susaki, Asian Games champion Moe Kiyooka, Nonoka Ozaki and reigning world champion Ami Ishii. However, the United States, China, Ukraine and other leading wrestling nations are expected to provide tough competition.
Susaki, Kiyooka and Ozaki Lead Japan’s Challenge
Susaki, the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, returns to the world stage after winning Asian Championships gold without conceding a point. Kiyooka, meanwhile, faces a competitive 53kg field that includes China’s Jin Zhang and Ecuador’s Lucia Yepez.
At 62kg, Ozaki arrives after winning Asian Games and Asian Championships gold this year. Norway’s Grace Bullen and Russia’s Amina Tandelova are among her key challengers.
Ami Ishii and India’s Medal Hopes
At 68kg, world champion Ishii will be one of Japan’s strongest contenders after defeating North Korea’s Sol Gum Pak 7–2 in the Asian Games final. India will also have medal hopes, with U20 world champion Kajal among its leading prospects at 76kg.
Helen Maroulis Leads the US Challenge
The United States will rely on four-time world champion Helen Maroulis, who is targeting another title at 57kg. Young wrestlers, including Everest Leydecker and Kennedy Blades, will also be looking to make an impact.
With experienced champions and emerging contenders across the weight categories, the women’s competition promises an intense battle for medals. Japan will start among the favourites, but maintaining its long-standing team dominance will require strong performances throughout the tournament.
