World Wrestling C'ships: Antim Panghal salvages bronze after semi-final heartbreak

Antim Panghal ensured India did not leave the World Wrestling Championships empty-handed, clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 53kg category with a commanding 9-1 win over Sweden’s U23 world champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren on Thursday in Zagreb. India’s campaign had been marred by early setbacks, including Aman Sehrawat’s disqualification, but the 21-year-old from Hisar restored pride with her composed display. Panghal had previously secured bronze in the 2023 edition, and her latest medal showed her steady progression at senior level.

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The bout began with Panghal looking for openings through single-leg attempts, which Sweden's Malmgren resisted strongly.

The Swede was soon placed on the activity clock, handing Panghal her first point. Moments later, Malmgren attempted a headlock, but Panghal wriggled free and countered with a takedown to increase her advantage. By the end of the opening period, she had made a 3-0 lead. In the second half, Malmgren pressed forward with a right-leg attack, only for Panghal to shut the door again and add another takedown. With time running out and a 5-0 cushion, the Indian sealed victory by executing a four-point move in the closing stages.

Panghal, who had left the mat in tears following her semifinal loss, returned later in the evening with a smile after delivering one of her most strong performances. The two-time U20 world champion (2022, 2023) has now firmly established herself in the senior 53kg division, once dominated by Vinesh Phogat. At just 21, Panghal’s CV already includes two World Championship bronze medals, a bronze at the Asian Games, silver and bronze at the Asian Championships, along with two Grand Prix titles.

Among Indian women, only Vinesh Phogat has won multiple World medals, while the likes of Alka Tomar, Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, Pooja Dhanda, Sarita Mor, and Anshu Malik have one each.

In contrast, India’s Greco-Roman wrestlers endured a disappointing outing, failing to register a single win on the day. Four wrestlers across different weight categories exited early, showing just how big the gap is that remains in the discipline at a global level.