Five Facts about U-20 World Champion Priya Malik

She is considered to be the next big name in Indian Wrestling.

Hailing from a small town in Jihad, Haryana, Priya Malik is the young sensation of Indian Wrestling. She is a daughter of an Indian Army officer Mr. Jayabhagwan Nidani. The young talent came into the limelight after winning the U-17 World and Asian Championships last year. She also clinched the silver medal at the U-20 World Championships in the same year.

India has produced many women grapplers who made our nation proud. Priya Malik is one such name who is seen as the future star who is already capable of leading India's wrestling legacy.

Five interesting facts about Priya Malik

Medalled on Senior Debut

Priya Malik in her senior international debut clinched the bronze medal at the Asian Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan in the 76 kg (Olympic category). She had lost to Aiperi Medet in the quarterfinals. However, in repechage round, she defeated 2019 Asian junior bronze medalist to clinch the bronze medal.

Two-time Cadet World Champion

Priya won the Wrestling Cadet Championships for two consecutive years (2021, 2022). She defeated Kseniya Patapovich of Belarus in the final to clinch her first international title. In 2022, she defended her U-17 World Championships title after defeating Maria Zenkina of Ukraine in the final.

U-20 World Champion

The young grappler upgraded her silver medal in the U-20 Wrestling World Championships after defeating Kuehn of Germany in the final. After losing the final of the U-20 Wrestling World Championships 2022 to Japanese Ayano Moro, Priya made a strong comeback this year to win the title. She completely dominated all her opponents and won all her matches with ease.

Competes in Olympic Category

Priya Malik competes in the 76 kg category which is part of the Olympics. With a dominating performance at the junior level, fans will hope for her qualification for Paris Olympics 2024. Her bronze medal at the Asian Championships this year will provide her a lot of confidence to play harder in the upcoming tournaments.

Has medalled in eight out of nine tournaments she has played

Priya Malik has won eight international medals in the nine tournaments she has participated. The only time she failed to win the medal was in the third Ranking series this season, losing to Qiandegen Chagan of China in the quarter-finals.

Achievements of Priya Malik

Senior Asian Championships – 1 Bronze

U-20 World Championships – 1 Gold, 1 Silver

U-17 World Championships – 2 Gold

U-20 Asian Championships – 1 Gold, 1 Silver

U-17 Asian Championships – 1 Gold