U20 Wrestling World Championships: Antim Panghal becomes first Indian grappler to lift successive gold medals

Add as a preferred source on Google

Young and promising India woman wrestler Antim Panghal on Friday (August 17) scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win back-to-back U20 world titles as she successfully defended her 53kg crown, with a 4-0 win over her finals opponent Mariia Yefremova of Ukraine.

The 19-year-old from Hisar in Haryana - who will be going to represent India in the same category in the Asian Games and World championships - dominated the bout as she combined her tremendous agility and strength to scale a stupendous feat.

She fought with such ferocity and authority that in the entire tournament she conceded only two points. That she is the one for the future in this category was evident. Also Read: Vinesh pulls out of Asian Games due to knee injury, clears way for Antim Panghal's Inclusion

She proved that she was not overconfident when she challenged senior pro-Vinesh Phogat for the Asian Games trials, repeating time and again that she could beat the decorated senior wrestler in the trials and she should not have been given a direct entry. Also Read: Asian Games 2023 wrestling trials: Is Antim Panghal worthy rival for Vinesh Phogat?

Panghal had become the first Indian woman grappler last year to win a junior world championship title and has already had a smooth transition to the senior circuit. She did not give an inch to Yefremova, foiling her leg attacks with remarkable presence of mind.

Panghal was quick with her movements and her double-leg attacks, employed with her tremendous strength had the Ukrainian gasping. She sealed the bout with a right-leg attack which she converted into a take-down move.

Reena took the 57kg bronze with a 9-4 win over Kazakshtan's Shugyla Omirbek. She was leading 5-0 and survived last-minute drama to seal her place on the podium. Earlier during the day, she won two repechage rounds to get to the medal round. Savita (62kg) and Antim Kundu (65kg) are also in contention for gold medals.

(With PTI inputs)