2025 U23 Women’s Freestyle World Championships: A Look at the Competition in Novi Sad

The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 U23 World Championships in women’s freestyle wrestling kicks off in the vibrant city of Novi Sad, Serbia. Taking place at the SPENS Sports Hall, this week-long event promises thrilling matches and showcases some of the most talented young wrestlers from around the globe. With competitors set to battle for global supremacy, the stage is primed for emerging stars to make their mark.

Headliners and Notable Matchups

At the forefront of the U.S. contingent is Kylie Welker, a two-time senior World medalist and the defending U23 World champion. Welker faces a formidable first-round opponent in Priya from India, a five-time age-group World medalist who recently placed fifth at the Senior World Championships. This matchup stands out not only due to the credentials of both athletes but also because it sets the tone for Welker’s campaign for repeat glory. Should she emerge victorious, a potential clash against Japan’s Makoto Komada awaits in the quarterfinals, intensifying the stakes as these rising stars vie for prominence.

The U.S. Women’s Roster

Joining Welker on the mat are three additional Senior World Team members, each with their unique narratives. Audrey Jimenez competes at 50 kg, while Cristelle Rodriguez steps onto the mat at 55 kg and Adaugo Nwachukwu represents at 62 kg. Rodriguez has a scheduled matchup against Gultakin Shirinova of Azerbaijan, a two-time U20 World bronze medalist, presenting a challenging start for the American grappler. Jimenez and Nwachukwu, on the other hand, have drawn first-round byes, eagerly awaiting their respective opponents emerging from preliminary rounds.

Key First-Round Battles

The U.S. squad features additional notable competitors like Brooklyn Hays and Jasmine Robinson, who will face past U23 World bronze medalists in their respective categories at 68 kg and 72 kg. Hays battles Viktoryia Radzkova from UWW, while Robinson goes up against Iryna Zablotska of Ukraine. These matchups are not only significant for the wrestlers involved but also for the narrative surrounding the U.S. team’s efforts to reclaim top positions in women’s freestyle wrestling on the world stage.

The Full American Contingent

Rounding out the roster for Team USA are Brianna Gonzalez at 53 kg, Cecilia Williams at 57 kg, Alexis Janiak at 59 kg, and Isabella Mir at 65 kg. With the initial opponents confirmed, fans are keen to see how these athletes will adapt and perform under pressure, particularly in a high-stakes global arena.

Schedule and Competition Format

Women’s freestyle wrestling is set up in a staggered format over the course of the championships. The athletes will compete in three distinct waves:

• Group One (50-72-76 kg) starts on October 22.
• Group Two (55-57-65-68 kg) follows on October 23.
• Group Three (53-59-62 kg) rounds out the competition on October 24.

Each group will unfold over two days, beginning with semifinals and following up with repechage and medal matches, allowing athletes a chance to fight their way back into contention following early losses.

How to Follow the Action

For those eager to catch the live action, the U23 World Championships will be streamed on FloWrestling.com for viewers in the U.S. Fans can also stay updated through regular releases on USA Wrestling’s social media platforms and on TheMat.com. Additionally, brackets and updated results will be available via UWW Arena, providing comprehensive coverage of the events as they unfold.

As the wrestling world converges on Novi Sad for this exciting chapter in ladies’ freestyle wrestling, anticipation builds for incredible matchups, historic walks onto the mat, and the indomitable spirit of these young athletes ready to showcase their hard work and dedication on an international platform.