In the World Wrestling Championship, the talented young athlete Antim Pangal achieved a significant milestone by clinching a bronze medal in the 53 kg category, securing a spot for the Paris Olympics. The notable victory was against the two-time European champion, Emma Jonah Denis of Sweden.Antim Pangal, at the age of 19, showcased exceptional skills, becoming the sixth Indian woman to attain a medal at the World Wrestling Championships. This bronze marked India’s sole medal in the competition as the country participated under the United World Wrestling banner due to the suspension of the National Wrestling Federation for election delays.
Prior to Pangal, esteemed Indian female wrestlers Geeta Phogat (2012), Babita Phogat (2012), Pooja Danda (2018), Vinesh Phogat (2019, 2022), and Anshu Malik (silver) had also made their mark by winning medals at the World Championships.Pangal’s triumph secured her the distinction of being the first Indian wrestler to qualify for the forthcoming tournaments. She displayed her prowess by taking an early lead with a swift push-out. Despite her formidable opponent’s efforts to regain ground, Pangal countered effectively and maintained her lead until the end of the first period. In the subsequent period, Pangal continued to assert her dominance, ultimately emerging victorious against the resilient Swedish wrestler.
