Battling through illness, 17-year-old wrestler Kajal Dochak clinched the gold medal at the World Under-20 Championships on Friday, becoming India's second world champion at the event this week. The wrestler from Haryana showcased formidable defense and powerful leg attacks to defeat China’s Liu Yuqi 8-6 in a tense 72 kg final, capping a dominant run in the tournament.
Kajal's path to the championship was challenging, highlighted by a stunning semi-final victory over defending U-20 world champion Jasmine Robinson of the USA. After falling behind 0-4, Kajal mounted a fierce comeback to win the bout 13-6, having earlier secured wins over opponents from Bulgaria and Kyrgyzstan. In the final, she took an early 4-0 lead before fending off a strong rally from her Chinese opponent to secure the world title.
Remarkably, Kajal achieved this feat while suffering from a fever. Her coach, Ajay Malik, revealed the extent of her resilience, stating, “During the semis against Robinson yesterday, she was playing with fever. Today against the Chinese too, Kajal was playing despite running a temperature.” Malik praised her technique, adding, “She has always been good in double leg attack and throwing attacks. She relied on her leg attacks as well avoiding the Chinese leg attacks. This comes from the swiftness.”
Wrestling runs in Kajal’s family, and she is now carrying a significant legacy forward. Her uncle and mentor, Krishan Dochak, is a former international wrestler who trained at the national camp alongside Indian legends Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt. "Seeing Kajal win medals for India gives us joy and this world title means that Kajal is carrying the family legacy further and in a much bigger way," Krishan said, adding that her proficiency in moves like the leg lock came naturally to her from a young age.
This world title is the latest in a string of impressive achievements for the young wrestler. Kajal is a two-time U-17 world champion and also won the U-20 Asian Championships gold earlier this year. Her rise has been meteoric, underscored by a victory in domestic trials over Priya Malik, the 2023 U-20 world champion in the 76 kg category, cementing her status as one of India’s most promising wrestling talents.