India’s wrestling talent, Antim Panghal, is set to miss the trials for the forthcoming Asian Wrestling Championships, following a back injury incurred from a fall at her home. The two-time U-20 world champion, who is in direct competition with renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the 53kg category, has been granted an exemption from the trials by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
This decision comes after Panghal reported her inability to train for the past month due to her injury, as noted in a report by The Tribune.
According to a source from the WFI, quoted by the newspaper, “Antim is injured and has requested the federation to postpone her trial as she has barely trained for a month now.
We have agreed but she has been asked to appear for a trial. She will be asked to fight the winner in her category at a later date to prove her fitness.” This approach allows Panghal a fair chance to demonstrate her readiness for competition once she recovers from her injury.
Panghal, who made an impressive senior World Championships debut in Belgrade last year by securing a bronze medal, has already booked her spot for the Paris Olympics. She remains the sole Indian wrestler to have claimed a berth for the upcoming Olympics, scheduled to take place in the French capital in July and August.
The selection trials for the Asian Championships and the continental qualifiers are slated for 10 and 11 March in New Delhi. It is yet to be determined whether Vinesh Phogat, two-time World Championships bronze medallist, Bajrang Punia, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, and Sakshi Malik, Rio Olympics bronze medallist, will participate in the trials.
These athletes have been at the forefront of the wrestlers’ protest against former WFI president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexually harassing several female grapplers.
As the wrestling community and fans await her return, Panghal’s focus will undoubtedly be on her recovery and preparation for the Paris Olympics, aiming to add to India’s proud wrestling legacy on the global stage.
