Asian Games: Sunil Kumar brings historic bronze at Greco-Roman wrestling, becomes first-ever Indian to taste this glory

India shone bright at the the opening day of the Greco-Roman wrestling in the ongoing Asian Games 2026 as 27-year-old Sunil Kumar earned a historic bronze medal in the men's 87kg category. By outclassing his opponent, Roberts Callum Johnston of the Philippines, via technical superiority, the Haryana wrestler became the first Indian wrestler to bag two Asian Games medals in the Greco-Roman discipline.

Sunil Kumar seals historic bronze in Greco-Roman wrestling

Sunil was dominant from the outset, taking early control of the bout by trapping Johnston's right arm and executing two swift takedowns to race to a 4-0 advantage. He continued his relentless pressure when his opponent was placed in the 'Par Terre' position for defensive play, scoring the remaining necessary points to wrap up a decisive victory within the very first period.

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Sunil becomes first Indian Greco-Roman wrestler to win two Asiad medals

This victory adds another chapter to Sunil's groundbreaking career, following his bronze performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Games—a result that snapped a 13-year Asian Games medal drought in Greco-Roman wrestling for India, whose last honorees were Ravinder Singh and Sunil Kumar Rana back in Guangzhou 2010. Although his quest for gold was halted in the semifinals by Japan's Taizo Yoshida, Sunil rebounded strongly after starting his campaign earlier in the day with a commanding victory over Tajikistan's Muhammad Sultonzoda.

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