Kajal Dhochak, Neelam Sirohi and Amruta Pujari Secure India Places for Commonwealth Wrestling Championships
World Championship silver medallists Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi, along with U-23 World silver medallist Amruta Pujari, headline India’s women’s wrestling squad for the December championships in South Africa.
India’s women’s wrestling team for the 2026 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships has been finalised following the selection trials held in New Delhi on November 13. World Championship silver medallists Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi, along with U-23 World silver medallist Amruta Pujari, secured places in the senior team with impressive performances.
The championships will take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from December 4 to 6. The trials also featured several other Indian wrestlers who secured their places across different weight categories, with competitions scheduled for senior, U-17 and U-20 athletes.
Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi Dominate Wrestling Trials
Kajal Dhochak secured her place in the women’s 76kg category after defeating Vedita through technical superiority. The World Championship silver medallist needed only 35 seconds to win the bout, beginning with a double-leg attack before executing a throw and following it with further scoring moves.
Neelam Sirohi also produced a dominant performance in the 50kg category. The World Championship silver medallist pinned Neha Chugate to book her place in the Indian squad. Neelam used a double-leg attack to take control before completing the victory by fall.
Both wrestlers will now look to carry their international form into the Commonwealth Championships in South Africa.
Amruta Pujari Wins 72kg Category After Late Fightback
U-23 World Championship silver medallist Amruta Pujari stood out in the women’s 72kg category with her tactical approach and ability to deliver under pressure.
She began her campaign with a victory by fall over Nisha but faced a tougher challenge against Priyanka in the semifinal. Pujari was trailing 1-2 with only three seconds remaining when she produced a crucial takedown near the edge of the mat to secure the win.
The final against Bipasha was another close contest. Pujari was trailing 1-3 before turning the match around with an arm-lock move that allowed her to roll and pin her opponent.
Her late comeback secured the 72kg spot in the Indian senior team.
Nishu, Srishti and Other Wrestlers Secure Places
Several other wrestlers also booked their places in the senior women’s squad.
Srishti defeated Mansi Lather in the 68kg category after taking an early four-point lead and defending her advantage. Nishu won the 53kg final against Sneha by a score of 7-1.
Ahilya Shinde (55kg), Neha Sangwan (59kg), Pushpa Yadav (62kg) and Janvi (65kg) were among the other trial winners. Simran was also named in the senior team in the 57kg category.
The selected senior women’s squad is:
50kg – Neelam Sirohi
53kg – Nishu
55kg – Ahilya Shinde
57kg – Simran
59kg – Neha Sangwan
62kg – Pushpa Yadav
65kg – Janvi
68kg – Srishti
72kg – Amruta Pujari
76kg – Kajal Dhochak
Antim Panghal Misses Selection Trials
World Championship medallist Antim Panghal made a late request to participate in the trials. However, the Wrestling Federation of India did not allow her to compete because she had not reported for the weigh-in.
Meanwhile, several leading Indian wrestlers, including Aman Sehrawat, Sujeet Kalkal, Manisha Bhanwala, Nitesh Siwach, Deepak Punia and Sunit, were granted exemptions from the trials. They were permitted to compete as India’s second entries in their respective weight categories at their own expense.
The Commonwealth Wrestling Championships allow each country to field two wrestlers in every weight category. The government will fund the participation of the trial winners, while the second entries will have to cover their own expenses.
India Also Finalises U-17 and U-20 Women’s Teams
Alongside the senior selection, trials were also held for the U-17 and U-20 categories. India’s selected U-17 women’s team includes Taniya (46kg), Rupankshi (53kg), Maisha (57kg) and Manya Rajput (61kg).
The U-20 women’s team features Kajal (55kg), Deepika Nain (65kg), Vishakha (72kg) and Muskan Narwal (76kg).
With the squads finalised, India’s wrestlers will now prepare for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Polokwane, where they will aim to turn their domestic selection success into strong international performances.
