Deepak Punia Reaches 92kg Final as WFI Senior Open Ranking Tournament Gets Underway in Gonda
The Wrestling Federation of India, WFI Senior Open Ranking Tournament 2026 commenced in Nandininagar, Gonda, with a strong opening day that highlighted both elite performers and emerging talent across categories.
Featuring 593 wrestlers from across the country, the tournament serves as a critical platform for athletes to establish national rankings and stake claims for future international selection. Among the standout performers on the opening day was Haryana’s Deepak Punia, who advanced to the final of the 92kg freestyle category with a series of controlled and technically sound performances. Punia, one of India’s most experienced wrestlers at this weight, displayed composure and tactical clarity throughout his bouts.
In the semifinal, Punia faced fellow Haryana wrestler Raja and secured a dominant 11-1 victory in just under three minutes. The bout showcased Punia’s ability to dictate pace and capitalise on scoring opportunities, as he combined defensive awareness with effective attacks to build a decisive lead. The early finish underlined his readiness heading into the final.
Punia will now face another Haryana wrestler, Vansh, in the title bout, setting up an all-Haryana contest for the gold medal. The matchup reflects the depth of talent within the state, which continues to be a stronghold in Indian wrestling. In the 125kg heavyweight category, attention turned to a closely contested bout between Rohit and Anirudh, also representing Haryana. Match No. 179 saw both wrestlers engage in a tactical battle, with Anirudh putting up a strong defensive performance. However, Rohit managed to secure crucial points at key moments, ultimately winning the bout and progressing to the next round.
The heavyweight division often hinges on positioning and control rather than high-scoring exchanges, and this match followed that pattern. Rohit’s ability to convert limited opportunities into points proved decisive, while Anirudh’s resistance highlighted the competitive nature of the category.
The tournament structure, featuring ten weight categories, is designed to provide a comprehensive ranking system for Indian wrestlers. With nearly 600 participants, the scale of the competition reflects both the depth and reach of the sport across the country. Speaking at the venue, WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasised the importance of such tournaments in strengthening the domestic wrestling ecosystem. He highlighted the role of the ranking competition in offering equal opportunity to wrestlers from different regions to compete at a national level.
“This platform allows every wrestler in India to test themselves against the best and secure their rankings. A bottom-up approach like this is essential for building strength in Indian wrestling, both domestically and internationally,” Singh stated.
The significance of the ranking tournament extends beyond immediate results. Performances here are closely monitored by selectors and play a role in shaping national squads for upcoming international competitions. For established wrestlers like Deepak Punia, the tournament provides an opportunity to reaffirm their position, while for younger athletes, it serves as a gateway to higher levels of competition.
From a technical perspective, the opening day reflected a mix of experience and emerging skill. Wrestlers demonstrated varied approaches some relying on aggressive scoring patterns, while others focused on defensive discipline and counter-attacks. This diversity in styles adds to the competitive quality of the event. The choice of Gonda as the host venue also aligns with WFI’s efforts to take major competitions beyond traditional centres, providing exposure and opportunities at a broader grassroots level. The infrastructure at Nandininagar has enabled the smooth conduct of matches, with multiple bouts taking place simultaneously to accommodate the large number of participants.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to the remaining knockout rounds and medal bouts across categories. With several top wrestlers in contention, the competition is expected to intensify, particularly in the final stages where margins become narrower. For now, Deepak Punia’s progression to the 92kg final stands out as one of the key highlights, while Rohit’s advancement in the heavyweight division adds to the competitive narrative. Both performances underline the importance of consistency and execution in a tournament where every bout contributes to national standing.
With multiple categories yet to reach their conclusion, the WFI Senior Open Ranking Tournament continues to provide a detailed snapshot of the current landscape of Indian wrestling one that combines established excellence with emerging potential.
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