After a heartbreaking debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian wrestling sensation Antim Panghal has scripted a remarkable comeback story. The young athlete from Haryana has not only bounced back but has soared to the top of the global rankings, ending the 2025 season as the world number one in the women’s 53 kg category.
A Season of Dominance and Medals
The disappointment of an early exit in Paris was firmly left behind as Antim Panghal embarked on a spectacular 2025 campaign. She emerged as the only Indian wrestler to secure a medal at the World Championships, adding a bronze to her growing collection. Her trophy cabinet further expanded with a bronze at the Asian Championships and gold medals at both the Hungary and Mongolia Ranking Series events.
Reflecting on her stellar year, Antim expressed satisfaction with her podium finishes at major international events. "It was a great season for me. I wanted to change the colour of the medal at the Worlds but nevertheless I am happy that I am on the podium," she told The Indian Express. Domestically, her reign was absolute, bulldozing opponents to cement her status as the country's premier woman wrestler.
The Mental and Physical Road to Recovery
The turnaround was not merely physical but a profound mental victory. Her coach, Siyanand Dahiya, revealed that the primary focus post-Paris was on her emotional well-being. "It can have a big impact on a young kid. So, the first thing we did was to work on her emotional and mental health," Dahiya explained. An injury sustained after the Games provided an unexpected period for rest and mental recalibration, which Antim credits for her strong return.
"Everyone supported me after Paris. From my family to my coaches. They used to encourage me everyday and I think it really fired me up for the 2025 season," Antim shared. This renewed focus translated into sharper game awareness. She notably avenged her Olympic loss by defeating Turkey's Zeynep Yetgil 10-0 at the Hungary Ranking Series, showcasing her growth.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Blueprint
With a packed calendar featuring the Pro Wrestling League, Asian Games, and World Championships, 2026 is a crucial year. Antim's primary goal is to stay injury-free and focus on these major competitions. Technically, she and coach Dahiya are honing her counter-attacks and perfecting her most potent weapon: the 'fitley' or leg lace move, aiming to end bouts swiftly.
A key challenge remains the lack of high-level domestic competition. To bridge this gap, Antim often spars with male wrestlers during training. Both she and her coach emphasize the need for more international exposure, like the recent training camp in Japan where she sparred with Olympic champion Akari Fujinami.
When asked about the pressure of the upcoming season, a confident Antim simply smiled and said, "Ab aadat ho gayi hai (Now I am used to it)." Her journey from Olympic setback to world-beating redemption is a testament to her resilience and skill.
Antim Panghal's 2025 Major Achievements:
- Bronze medal at 2025 World Championships (53 kg)
- Bronze medal at 2025 Asian Championships (53 kg)
- Gold medal at Budapest Ranking Series (53 kg)
- Gold medal at Mongolia Ranking Series (53 kg)
- National Champion (55 kg category)
