The Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling tournament is set to begin in Tirana, Albania, and India is sending a strong 48-member contingent to compete in the second leg of the 2026 UWW Ranking Series. With top wrestlers across men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman categories, the event presents a crucial opportunity for Indian athletes to earn ranking points and build momentum ahead of major international competitions.
Leading the Indian squad is U23 World Championships gold medallist Sujeet Kalkal, who will spearhead the men’s freestyle division. In the absence of Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat, Sujeet carries the responsibility of guiding the team in one of the tournament’s most competitive categories.
A Strong Indian Line-Up
The Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling event will feature 16 Indian wrestlers in each discipline men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman reflecting the depth of talent in the country.
Sujeet Kalkal enters the competition in impressive form. The reigning U23 Asian and World Champion recently clinched gold in the 65kg category at the Zagreb Open, the first leg of the UWW Ranking Series 2026. He also secured gold at the Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial last year. His consistent performances make him one of India’s brightest medal hopes in Tirana.
In the women’s freestyle division, Neha Sharma will lead the charge. The 23-year-old has already established herself at the U23 level, having won silver at 55kg and bronze at 57kg in previous U23 World Championships held in Tirana. With two-time World Championships bronze medallist Antim Panghal opting out of this event, Neha Sharma’s role becomes even more significant.
Other women wrestlers to watch include Muskan and Anjli, both bronze medallists at the Zagreb Open in their respective categories. Their recent podium finishes suggest they are ready to challenge strong international competition at Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling.
Key Contenders in Greco-Roman
India’s Greco-Roman squad also features promising names. Among them is Chetan (63kg), who recently claimed silver at the Zagreb Open. Notably, he defeated former world champion Meysam Dalkhani during that run, underlining his potential to upset higher-ranked opponents.
With 16 wrestlers competing in Greco-Roman, India aims to strengthen its presence in a style that has traditionally been challenging but is steadily improving in results.
Tournament Schedule (IST)
The Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling competition runs from February 25 to March 1, with daily matches starting at 3:00 PM IST.
- February 25 (Wednesday): Men’s freestyle 57kg, 61kg, 65kg, 70kg, 74kg, 86kg
- February 26 (Thursday): Men’s freestyle 79kg, 92kg, 97kg, 125kg; Women’s freestyle 50kg, 55kg
- February 27 (Friday): Women’s freestyle 59kg, 62kg, 65kg, 68kg; Greco-Roman 77kg, 87kg
- February 28 (Saturday): Women’s freestyle 53kg, 57kg, 72kg, 76kg; Greco-Roman 63kg, 67kg
- March 1 (Sunday): Greco-Roman 55kg, 60kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg, 130kg
Indian fans can watch Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling via live streaming on UWW+, although there will be no live television broadcast in India.
Importance of Ranking Points
The tournament is more than just another international outing. As part of the UWW Ranking Series, it offers valuable ranking points that directly impact seedings at future events, including the Asian Games 2026.
For wrestlers like Sujeet Kalkal and Neha Sharma, consistent podium finishes can significantly improve their global standings. Higher rankings often result in more favorable draws in major championships, which can be decisive in medal pursuits.
Moreover, competing against international opponents allows Indian wrestlers to test their strategies, endurance, and technical skills under pressure. Such exposure is critical ahead of continental and global tournaments.
Momentum Ahead of the Asian Games
With the Asian Games 2026 approaching later this year, Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling serves as an important preparatory platform. Coaches and athletes alike will use this event to assess performance levels and identify areas for improvement.
For younger wrestlers, it is also a chance to gain experience on a big stage. Competing in Albania against a diverse field of wrestlers helps build confidence and resilience qualities essential for long-term success.
Muhamet Malo 2026 Wrestling represents a significant chapter in India’s wrestling calendar this year. With a balanced squad across all three styles and several medal contenders in top form, expectations are high.
Whether it’s Sujeet Kalkal aiming to extend his golden run, Neha Sharma stepping up in women’s freestyle, or Chetan making a mark in Greco-Roman, Indian wrestlers have a valuable opportunity to shine.
As the tournament unfolds in Tirana, all eyes will be on how the Indian contingent performs in this crucial ranking series event and how it shapes their journey toward the Asian Games 2026.
