Yui Susaki Wins Fifth World Wrestling Championship Title

Japanese Wrestling star Yui Susaki has returned to international competition with a remarkable run of victories, rebuilding her confidence and reclaiming her place among the sport’s elite after the disappointment of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her latest achievement, a fifth World Championships title in the 50kg category, underlines the determination and technical excellence that have defined her career.

Susaki’s recent numbers tell the story of her dominance. Before the Paris Olympics, she carried an extraordinary international record of 82 consecutive victories without a defeat. After losing to India’s Vinesh Phogat in the opening round in Paris, she stepped away from international competition for around 20 months to reassess and rebuild her wrestling. Her return has produced another extraordinary sequence: a 13-0 record in 2026 and a combined 106-0 points record across the Asian Championships, Asian Games and World Championships.

The title in Astana carries special significance because it came after a lengthy break from competition. Rather than rushing back, the Japanese wrestler used the time to examine every aspect of her preparation, from physical conditioning and weight management to her technical approach on the mat.

Yui Susaki rebuilds after shocking Paris Olympics defeat

Susaki entered the Paris 2024 Olympics as one of the strongest favourites in women’s wrestling. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion had built a reputation for near-perfect performances, and her unbeaten international streak had made her one of the most feared competitors in the sport.

However, India’s Vinesh Phogat ended that remarkable run with a surprise victory in their opening-round contest. The defeat was a major shock, not only because of Susaki’s previous record but also because she had rarely experienced losing at the highest level of international wrestling.

For an athlete accustomed to winning, the result created an opportunity for deep reflection. Susaki decided not to rush into a return to international competition. Instead, she spent the following period training in Tokyo and reassessing her approach to the sport.

Speaking to Hindustan Times from Astana, the 27-year-old described how she used the break to work on every part of her wrestling preparation.

“For a year and five months since the Paris Olympics, I trained as usual in Tokyo, my base of operations. I completely re-evaluated everything, from weight management and physical conditioning, to, of course, wrestling itself. I trained all day long.”

Her preparation was not limited to improving individual techniques. Susaki wanted to become a more complete wrestler, capable of responding effectively to different opponents and situations. The extended training period gave her time to rediscover the confidence and motivation that had driven her success before Paris.

Asian Championships mark Susaki’s impressive comeback

Susaki returned to international competition at the 2026 Asian Championships, where she immediately demonstrated that her time away had not reduced her competitive ability. She won all four of her bouts to claim the gold medal, finishing the tournament with a combined score of 27-0.

Her campaign included an opening-round victory over China’s Ziqi Feng, a bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics. Susaki secured the win by fall after scoring two points, sending an early message that she had returned with the same technical precision that previously made her difficult to beat.

She then defeated India’s Neelam 11-0 before overcoming Kazakhstan’s Maral Tangirbergenova by fall. In the final, Susaki faced North Korea’s Son Hyang Kim and secured a 6-0 victory to complete her gold-medal campaign.

The results showed that Susaki’s comeback was not simply about returning to the mat. She was once again controlling matches, limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and finding ways to finish contests decisively.

Reflecting on her decision to delay her return, Susaki explained that she had wanted to compete earlier but chose to spend more time preparing.

“I wanted to compete as soon as possible, but I held back and prepared to evolve. I prepared to win no matter the situation. I prepared to outperform my opponent and score points in any situation.”

Asian Games triumph adds another dominant chapter

After her successful return at the Asian Championships, Susaki carried her momentum into the Asian Games. Competing on home soil, she produced another commanding performance, winning all four bouts without conceding a single point.

Her opening contest ended with an 11-0 victory over India’s Dipanshi. She followed it with a 10-0 win against Cambodia’s Samnang Dit, continuing to demonstrate her ability to control opponents through effective attacks and strong defensive positioning.

Susaki then defeated Kazakhstan’s Zeinep Bayanova 4-0 by fall before meeting North Korea’s Son Hyang Kim in the final. She secured a 10-0 victory to claim another gold medal, taking her total points record for the tournament to 35-0.

The Asian Games victory was particularly meaningful because it came in front of her home supporters. It also confirmed that her successful return at the Asian Championships was no isolated achievement. Susaki had regained her competitive rhythm and was once again producing dominant results against leading wrestlers from across the region.

Yet another major target remained. Susaki was determined to win a fifth senior World Championships title, a milestone that would further strengthen her standing in international wrestling.

Unseeded Susaki wins fifth World Championships title in Astana

Susaki entered the 2026 World Championships in Astana without a seeding and was ranked 31st in the world at the time. Her ranking reflected the long absence from international competition rather than her ability, but it meant she entered the tournament without the status usually associated with a multiple-time world champion.

That did not prevent her from taking control of the 50kg competition. Susaki won all five of her bouts, relying on her technical skill, movement and ability to turn scoring opportunities into decisive advantages.

One of the standout results came in the semi-finals, where she defeated China’s Ziqi Feng 9-0. The victory secured her place in the final and brought her one step closer to the fifth world title she had targeted after the Asian Games.

Her opponent in the final was India’s Neelam Sirohi. Susaki delivered another decisive performance, pinning Neelam inside the first period to secure the gold medal. The victory marked her first World Championships title since 2023 and completed a remarkable return to the top of the sport.

Across her five matches at the World Championships, Susaki recorded a combined 44-0 points advantage. Added to her performances at the Asian Championships and Asian Games, the result contributed to the extraordinary 106-0 points record across the three major competitions.

For Susaki, the achievement was particularly special because it followed a long period of preparation away from international competition.

“I’m really happy to have achieved this. It’s one of my most special wins. It’s come after a long wait.”

Golden Grand Slam champion rediscovers her love for wrestling

Susaki’s fifth world title adds another achievement to an already exceptional career. She became the first wrestler to complete the Golden Grand Slam, a distinction that reflects winning major titles across all age-group World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Her achievements before Paris had established her as one of the most successful wrestlers of her generation. However, the defeat to Vinesh Phogat showed that even athletes with extraordinary records can face difficult moments in their careers.

What followed was not an immediate attempt to restore her unbeaten streak. Susaki instead used the break to rediscover her relationship with wrestling and understand what motivated her to compete.

She has explained that her father, who was also a wrestler, introduced her to the sport. Her love for wrestling developed from the time she first began training and remained an important part of her identity throughout her career.

“I don’t feel any pressure at all anymore. I am proud and happy to be living the life of Yui Susaki. My father was a wrestler. I started wrestling because of him. I have loved wrestling from the day I started until today. During my break from competitions, I sought to rediscover my love for the sport, and I am glad I could do that.”

Her comments offer an insight into the mindset behind her comeback. The extended break gave her the opportunity to move beyond the pressure of maintaining an unbeaten record and focus instead on enjoying the process of competing and improving.

That change in perspective has coincided with a return to the dominant form that made her an Olympic and world champion.

Emperor’s Cup becomes next target on road to Los Angeles 2028

Despite completing another major milestone, Susaki is already looking ahead to her next challenge. Her immediate target is the Emperor’s Cup All Japan Championships, scheduled for December. The competition will also play an important role in Japan’s Olympic qualification process.

Winning the national championship would represent another significant step towards securing her opportunity to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Susaki has made it clear that she wants to return to the Olympic stage and reclaim the gold medal she won at Tokyo 2020.

“I absolutely want to win the Emperor’s Cup All Japan Championships and take a big step towards competing in the Los Angeles Olympics. I want to win that Olympic gold again. Susaki 2.0 is ready for the world.”

The next phase of her career will bring a fresh set of challenges, including Japan’s domestic selection process and the competition for a place on the Olympic team. Her latest results, however, have demonstrated that she remains capable of producing outstanding performances against the world’s leading wrestlers.

Yui Susaki’s comeback shows the power of rebuilding

Susaki’s journey from an unexpected defeat in Paris to a fifth World Championships title in Astana is a story of reassessment, patience and determination. Her 20-month absence from international competition gave her time to rebuild her physical preparation, refine her wrestling and rediscover her motivation.

The results have been remarkable. An unbeaten return across the Asian Championships, Asian Games and World Championships, combined with a 13-0 record in 2026, has restored her position among the leading figures in women’s wrestling.

More importantly, Susaki appears to have found a healthier relationship with competition. Rather than defining herself only through an unbeaten record, she has spoken about enjoying the sport and taking pride in the life she has chosen.

With the Emperor’s Cup ahead and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics firmly in her sights, Susaki’s next chapter is already taking shape. Her latest world title has shown that the Japanese champion is back, with renewed purpose and a clear ambition to reach the Olympic summit once again.