From Trailing to Leading: The Fightback That Announced Vishvajit More to the World

Xtratime Webdesk: Vishvajit More came within seconds of completing one of the biggest comebacks of his young wrestling career. In the men’s 55kg Greco-Roman final at the U23 World Championships in Las Vegas, the Indian wrestler found himself in trouble early against Georgia’s Koba Karumidze. Karumidze established a 5-0 advantage, putting More under immediate pressure in a bout where every point mattered.

But More refused to let the early deficit decide his night. The Indian gradually found his rhythm, cutting into the Georgian’s lead before turning the contest into a high-intensity battle. A takedown and successive turns brought More back into contention, while his relentless pressure kept forcing Karumidze to defend. The momentum had completely shifted.

At one stage, More had transformed a difficult 9-6 position into a 12-9 lead. Suddenly, the Indian wrestler was just moments away from a remarkable victory and the gold medal. Karumidze, however, produced one final response. More attempted another turn, but the Georgian blocked the move, reducing the deficit. With the clock running down, Karumidze pushed More out in the final second, making it 12-12 on criteria.

India challenged the call, but the challenge was unsuccessful, handing Karumidze the decisive point and a 13-12 victory. For More, it was a heartbreaking finish. Yet the manner in which he fought back may ultimately prove more important than the final score.

He had started the bout five points behind and still managed to take control against a world-class opponent. That resilience, aggression and refusal to surrender turned the final into a statement performance.

More may have missed out on gold, but he leaves Las Vegas with something bigger than a medal, the belief that he belongs on this stage. At 22, Vishvajit More has shown he can fight, recover and challenge the best. The next chapter could be even bigger.