Hisar (Haryana), 25 February (H.S.): The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) Dangal Championship 2026 concluded in spectacular fashion, with Under-23 World Championship medalist Nishu and Yash dominating their weight categories to claim gold and headlines.

Organized by IIS with Parle-G sponsorship, the event drew a record over 300 entries, featuring around 240 wrestlers across nine weight classes at the Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Multipurpose Hall, Giri Centre, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar.

In the 53kg women's category, Nishu—who recently secured bronze at the Under-23 World Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia—delivered a flawless performance to clinch gold. Delhi's Yash, representing in the 74kg freestyle, powered to victory with commanding displays. Nishu received ₹31,000 and Yash ₹51,000 in prize money.

Yash said post-victory, This was an excellent opportunity to compete against top rivals. Winning the title is always special. I hope for more such events ahead.Launched in 2025, the second edition attracted participants nationwide, with nearly 20% entries from outside Haryana—about 250 in men's and over 50 in women's categories.

Prominent IIS wrestlers competed, including Kajal (+62kg), Nishu (53kg), Suraj (60kg Greco-Roman, Under-17 World gold medalist), Sumit (60kg Greco-Roman, Under-20 World bronze medalist), and Sumit Malik (57kg freestyle, Under-20 World bronze medalist).

The one-day championship ran parallel bouts on three mats, ensuring nonstop excitement for spectators and athletes. Women's coach Kosei Akashishi and High Performance Director Garry Hall were present to scout talent.

SAI-IIS Hisar Centre Operations Head Satya Prakash stated, This event is a superb platform for emerging stars. Hosting amid national camps was challenging, but it gave the next generation senior-level exposure.

High Performance Director Garry Hall added, This Dangal is a fantastic chance for young wrestlers to test and refine themselves.

Key Senior Category Results

Freestyle

57kg: Gold – Satendra (Haryana), Silver – Rohit (Haryana)

74kg: Gold – Yash (Delhi), Silver – Ankit Jasmere (Haryana)

125kg: Gold – Rohit (Haryana), Silver – Deepak (Haryana)Greco-Roman

60kg: Gold – Suraj (Haryana)

77kg: Gold – Vikas (Haryana)

130kg: Gold – Vipin (Delhi)Women's Wrestling

53kg: Gold – Nishu (Haryana)

62kg: Gold – Anjali (Haryana)

76kg: Gold – Chanchal (Haryana)

The IIS Dangal Championship is proving a vital platform for budding wrestlers to gain senior-level competition experience.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar