Asian Games 2026: Nitesh Siwach Scripts History with Silver in Greco-Roman Wrestling, Ending 64-Year Drought

Indian wrestler Nitesh Siwach created history at the 2026 Asian Games, winning the silver medal in the Men’s 97kg Greco-Roman wrestling event and ending a 64-year wait for India to reach an Asian Games Greco-Roman final.

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development athlete became only the second Indian wrestler in history to reach the final of an Asian Games Greco-Roman event.
India’s previous appearance in a Greco-Roman wrestling final at the Asian Games came at the 1962 Jakarta Games, where Udey Chand, Sajjan Singh and Maruti Mane won silver medals.

In the 2026 final, Siwach faced Japan’s Yuri Nakazato, competing in front of the home crowd. The Indian wrestler made several aggressive attempts, including using a two-on-one grip, but Nakazato's defensive approach prevented Siwach from converting his attacks.

Nakazato eventually secured a 4-0 victory, leaving Siwach with the silver medal.

Despite the final result, Siwach’s campaign represents a significant milestone for Indian Greco-Roman wrestling. His historic run brings the discipline back to an Asian Games final after more than six decades and adds another medal to India’s wrestling ampaign at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.