Aman, Sujeet and Deepak Punia Set to Strengthen India's Commonwealth Wrestling Championships Campaign

India is preparing to field a considerably stronger wrestling contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in South Africa compared to its recent World Championships campaign, with several established international medallists expected to feature across the men's freestyle and women's categories.

The championships will be held in Polokwane, South Africa, from December 4 to 6, with India looking to make the most of the opportunity to field additional wrestlers in each weight category. Among the prominent names expected in the men's freestyle contingent are Aman, Sujeet and Deepak Punia, while the women's squad will feature World Championships silver medallists Neelam Sirohi and Kajal Dhochak.

The selection process has also brought an interesting dimension, with the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships allowing two entries per country in each weight category. The second entry can compete at the athlete's own expense, providing India with greater flexibility to accommodate experienced wrestlers alongside those selected through the regular trials.

According to reports, Manisha, Sujeet, Aman and Deepak Punia have been granted exemptions from the selection trials and permitted to participate as India's second entries at their own expense. This arrangement could significantly strengthen India's representation, particularly in weight categories where the country has multiple medal contenders.

The women's senior team was finalised following a day-long selection trial held in New Delhi on Friday, with World Championships silver medallists Neelam Sirohi and Kajal Dhochak leading the selections. Neelam secured her place in the 50kg category after defeating Maharashtra's Neha Chaugule in the final round. The wrestler, who won silver at the World Championships in Astana, will be among India's leading medal prospects in South Africa.

Kajal Dhochak also confirmed her place with an emphatic performance in the 76kg final. The World Championships silver medallist dominated Maharashtra's Vedika, registering a commanding 10-0 victory to book her ticket to the continental competition.

Another notable selection was Amruta Pujari, who secured the 72kg spot with a comfortable victory over Bipasha of the Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB). The U-23 World Championships silver medallist adds further depth to India's women's contingent.

The presence of three international medallists gives India a strong foundation heading into the championships, particularly as the team looks to translate its performances at the global level into success at the Commonwealth competition.

Stronger men's freestyle contingent expected

The men's freestyle squad is also expected to benefit from the additional-entry provision. Aman, Sujeet and Deepak Punia are among the prominent names expected to strengthen India's challenge. Their inclusion would provide the team with greater international experience and additional medal opportunities across the weight categories.

The reported exemptions for Aman, Sujeet and Deepak Punia are particularly significant. Rather than having to secure selection through the regular trials, they have reportedly been permitted to compete as second entries at their own expense.

Manisha is also understood to have been granted a similar exemption, potentially adding another experienced name to the women's contingent. The provision allowing two wrestlers from the same country in a weight category offers an opportunity to balance trial-based selections with the participation of established international performers. It also gives India the flexibility to field more than one medal contender in categories where it possesses considerable depth.

However, the additional entries will need to be distinguished from the primary selections made through the trials.

The Commonwealth Wrestling Championships will not be restricted to senior competition, with U-17 and U-20 events also scheduled as part of the championship. Trials for the younger age groups were conducted simultaneously in New Delhi, providing emerging wrestlers with an opportunity to represent India at an international competition.

In the U-17 women's category, Taniya (46kg), Rupankshi (53kg), Maisha (57kg) and Manya Rajput (61kg) secured selection. The U-20 women's squad comprises Kajal (55kg), Deepika Nain (65kg), Vishakha (72kg) and Muskan Narwal (76kg). These competitions will offer valuable international exposure to wrestlers seeking to establish themselves at the junior level.

The presence of senior, U-20 and U-17 competitions makes the championships an important opportunity for India to assess its talent pipeline across age groups.

India's medal ambitions in South Africa

India's preparations for the December championships indicate an approach that places considerable emphasis on depth and experience. The possibility of fielding two wrestlers in each weight category could give the country a significant advantage, particularly in disciplines where Indian wrestlers have consistently performed well at international competitions.

The women's senior team will look towards Neelam, Kajal and Amruta to lead its medal challenge, while the reported participation of Aman, Sujeet and Deepak Punia could make the men's freestyle contingent considerably stronger.

For the younger wrestlers, the U-17 and U-20 competitions will provide an opportunity to gain experience against international opposition and take another step towards senior-level competition.

With the championships scheduled from December 4 to 6, India will travel to Polokwane with ambitions of delivering a strong overall performance. The combination of established international medallists, trial-selected wrestlers and additional entries could make this one of India's more competitive Commonwealth Wrestling Championships contingents.