Wrestler places third in PA
Update: March 29, 2024
Maya finishes 2nd in girls' wrestling tournament
Streams second-grader Maya Bhandari finished as the 8U 45lb runner-up at the 2024 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Youth State Championships this past weekend at the University of Pittsburgh’s Petersen Events Center. Maya had three straight wins on the way to the finals, where she eventually lost to her opponent. After an amazing conclusion to her first season of wrestling, Maya is looking forward to playing soccer and softball in the spring.
March 20, 2024
Wrestler places third in PA
New to the sport, this is Maya’s first wrestling season, which began in November 2023. She is grateful to her coaches at Upper St. Clair Youth Wrestling and her older brother, Maxwell, for her training. According to her mom, what Maya likes most about wrestling is the exercise, competing against other girls and becoming friends with her opponents. Her favorite wrestling move is the cradle.
When she’s not wrestling, Maya also plays soccer and softball, and enjoys playing the piano and violin. She attends Streams Elementary School.
Maya earned her spot at the Keystone State Championship by placing first at the Keystone State Southwest Youth Qualifier on March 3, 2024, at Canon-McMillan High School. The Southwest Region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties as well as the River Valley School District.
Next up, Maya will be wrestling at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Youth State Championships March 23-24, 2024, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Petersen Events Center. She will be competing in the Girls 8U 45lb Division. She earned her spot at the PJW Youth State Championships by placing first at the 2024 PJW Area 7 Youth Qualifier on March 10, 2024, at Bethel Park High School. The PJW Area 7 covers Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties.
