NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan :- India’s rising star in wrestling, Antim Panghal, made history at the World Championships, becoming the first Indian wrestler, male or female, to secure a quota spot for the Paris Olympics. Panghal’s remarkable journey in Nur-Sultan concluded with a bronze medal and an impressive display of skill and determination.
The 19-year-old sensation, Antim Panghal, etched her name in the annals of Indian wrestling by claiming a bronze medal in the 53kg category. Panghal’s road to victory was not without its challenges, and her final match against Sweden’s Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren was an electrifying spectacle.
Panghal’s journey to securing the Olympic quota was not an easy one. She began the high-stakes bout with a quick push-out point, quickly taking a 5-0 lead. However, Malmgren, a two-time European champion, mounted a spirited comeback, scoring six consecutive points. The first period concluded in a 6-6 tie, showcasing the fierce competition.
The second period witnessed Panghal’s unwavering determination as she executed a series of impressive moves to regain control. Her strategic use of a leg-lace maneuver widened the gap, ultimately leading to her victory by technical superiority.
With this remarkable triumph, Antim Panghal secured India’s first and only medal in the Championships. India’s participation in the event has been under the UWW flag due to the suspension of the national federation WFI for failing to conduct timely elections.
Panghal’s achievement is a testament to her dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in wrestling. Her bronze medal not only adds to India’s wrestling legacy but also ensures a quota spot for the country at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Antim Panghal’s journey to success is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across India and a reminder of the nation’s potential on the global sporting stage. As she looks ahead to the Paris Olympics, the young wrestler has already etched her name in the record books as a trailblazer for Indian wrestling.
