At the 2025 World Wrestling Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia, India’s wrestling contingent faced a challenging campaign, securing only one bronze medal from a pool of 30 participants. The sole medalist, 21-year-old Antim Panghal, emerged as a beacon of hope for the nation, clinching the bronze in the women’s 53kg freestyle category.
A Consistent Performer
Panghal’s journey to the bronze was marked by resilience and determination. After a semi-final loss, she bounced back with a commanding 9-1 victory over Sweden’s U23 World Champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren in the bronze medal match.
This victory not only secured her second consecutive World Championship bronze but also underscored her status as one of India’s premier wrestlers. Her previous bronze came in the 2023 World Championships in Belgrade, where she defeated Malmgren 16-6 via technical superiority.
India’s Overall Performance:
While Panghal’s achievement was commendable, the overall performance of the Indian contingent was less than stellar. The men’s freestyle wrestlers, in particular, faced setbacks, with eight out of ten failing to reach the bronze medal match.
A significant blow came when Paris Olympics medalist Aman Sehrawat was disqualified for being overweight, missing out on a potential medal opportunity The women’s freestyle wrestlers also faced challenges, continuing a trend of underperformance at the World Championships
Looking Ahead
Despite the team’s overall performance, Panghal’s bronze serves as a testament to her skill and determination. As she continues to train and compete, her focus remains on future competitions, aiming to build on her successes and contribute to India’s wrestling legacy. Her achievement also highlights the importance of nurturing talent and providing the necessary support to wrestlers to excel on the global stage.
In conclusion, while the 2025 World Wrestling Championships presented challenges for India, Antim Panghal’s bronze medal stands out as a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring future generations of wrestlers in the country.
