Nitesh Siwach’s historic Greco-Roman silver: How is the discipline different from freestyle wrestling? – Explained
Nitesh Siwach’s Historic Greco-Roman Silver Explained
Bharatmorning.com – Nitesh Siwach’s historic Greco-Roman silver marked a major moment for Indian wrestling. The 23-year-old won silver in the men’s 97kg category at the Asian Games, becoming India’s first silver medallist in Greco-Roman wrestling at the event since 1962.
Siwach reached the final with a commanding 9-0 technical-superiority win over Mongolia’s Gankhuyag Ganbaatar in the semifinal. He later lost the gold-medal contest to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato, but his podium finish ended a wait of more than six decades for an Indian Greco-Roman silver.
India have won 65 wrestling medals at the Asian Games, but only 11 have come in Greco-Roman events. The remaining 54 medals were earned in freestyle wrestling, the format in which India has traditionally achieved more consistent success.
A landmark medal in Indian Greco-Roman wrestling
Before Nitesh Siwach’s historic Greco-Roman silver, India’s previous silver medallists in the discipline were Maruti Mane in the 97kg division and Sajjan Singh in the 87kg category at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
That edition also produced India’s only Asian Games gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, won by Ganpat Andalkar in the men’s +97kg class. India have additionally secured five bronze medals in the discipline. At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games, Sunil Kumar won bronze in the men’s 87kg category for the second consecutive time.
Siwach’s achievement is significant because it brings renewed attention to a style where Indian wrestlers have produced occasional podium performances but have not enjoyed the same depth of results as freestyle competitors.
Greco-Roman wrestling vs freestyle wrestling
The main difference is simple: Greco-Roman wrestlers cannot attack below the waist. They are not allowed to grab an opponent’s legs, use leg trips or attempt the single-leg and double-leg takedowns commonly seen in freestyle wrestling.
Freestyle wrestling permits attacks on the entire body. Wrestlers can target the legs, defend with their legs and use lower-body techniques to create takedowns. This produces a faster-changing contest, with athletes often working from lower stances to protect against leg attacks.
Greco-Roman bouts are built around upper-body control. Wrestlers use grips around the torso, arms and shoulders to create openings for body locks, lifts, throws and turns. Balance, hand positioning and the ability to control an opponent at close range are essential.
Why Greco-Roman wrestling looks different
Because leg attacks are banned, Greco-Roman wrestlers typically compete in a more upright position and spend more time fighting for chest-to-chest control. A small advantage in grip or body position can quickly lead to a high-scoring throw or a turn on the mat.
The style demands substantial upper-body strength, grip endurance, core stability and explosive power. Technique remains just as important: an unsuccessful lift or throw can leave a wrestler vulnerable to a counterattack.
Nitesh Siwach’s historic Greco-Roman silver also highlighted the discipline’s tactical demands. His semifinal victory showed how control and pressure can be converted into a decisive technical-superiority result.
Match format and passivity in Greco-Roman wrestling
Both Greco-Roman and freestyle matches consist of two three-minute periods, with a 30-second break between them. While the scoring principles are similar, Greco-Roman wrestling has a particularly important passivity situation.
When a wrestler is judged passive, the referee may place that athlete face down on the mat once in each period. The active wrestler then has roughly 20 to 30 seconds to secure a waist hold and attempt a lift or turn for points.
These ground situations can change a match quickly. Since lower-body attacks are unavailable, the chance to control an opponent from the waist and expose their back can become one of the most valuable scoring opportunities in a bout.
FAQ: Greco-Roman wrestling in India
Can Greco-Roman wrestlers grab legs?
No. Attacks below the waist, including leg grabs and leg trips, are prohibited in Greco-Roman wrestling.
What is the biggest difference between freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling?
Freestyle wrestlers can attack the legs and use their legs during moves, while Greco-Roman wrestlers must rely on upper-body techniques.
Why is Nitesh Siwach’s medal important?
His silver was India’s first Greco-Roman silver medal at the Asian Games since 1962, making it a notable result for the country in the Olympic discipline.