Indian wrestling witnessed a strong show of skill and grit on Friday as Manisha Bhanwala surged into the final of the women’s 62kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championship, keeping India’s gold medal hopes alive. Meanwhile, Antim Panghal, one of India’s most promising young wrestlers, bowed out in the semifinals of the 53kg category and will now fight for bronze.
Manisha Dominates Her Way to the Final
Manisha Bhanwala, a seasoned wrestler on the national circuit, began her campaign in dominant fashion. She wasted no time in her opening bout, defeating Kazakhstan’s Tynys Dubek via technical superiority, which left no doubt about her intent and preparation.
In the quarterfinals, Manisha continued her aggressive run. She faced Hanbit Lee of Korea, and once again delivered a statement performance. She pinned Lee decisively, displaying both tactical awareness and brute strength. With two dominant wins, Manisha entered the semifinals brimming with confidence.
In the semifinal, she clashed with Kalmira Bilimbek Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, a technically solid wrestler with good upper-body control. Manisha approached the bout with patience, waited for openings, and countered effectively. She conceded only one point while scoring five, securing a convincing 5-1 victory to reach her first-ever Asian Championship final.
She will now face Ok J Kim of Korea in the summit clash. Manisha has never beaten Kim before in international competition, but with her current form and rhythm, she has a strong chance to change that history and claim India’s first women’s gold in the tournament.
Antim Panghal’s Tough Road Back to the Podium
In the 53kg weight class, Antim Panghal returned to international action after her disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, eager to prove her mettle. She opened her campaign confidently, defeating China’s Jin Zhang in the quarterfinals. Antim showed sharp movement, solid technique, and quick reflexes to control the bout and book her spot in the semifinals.
However, in the semifinal, Antim faced a formidable opponent in Moe Kiyooka of Japan. Kiyooka, known for her explosive counters and rock-solid defense, proved too strong on the day.
The match started cautiously. In the first three-minute period, neither wrestler opened up, but the Japanese edged ahead by securing a passivity point, taking a 1-0 lead. Antim tried to break through Kiyooka’s defense in the second period, but the Japanese wrestler showed exceptional mat control.
With Antim put on the activity clock, Kiyooka capitalized. In those 30 seconds, she scored two takedowns, pulling ahead 5-0. Panghal tried to initiate a comeback, but Kiyooka executed a quick leg attack and transition, flipping Antim for a final takedown that sealed the bout by technical superiority.
Despite the loss, Antim remains in contention for a bronze medal and will compete in the repechage round on Saturday. She has shown flashes of brilliance and will aim to finish strong.
Disappointment for Neha, Monika, and Jyoti
India fielded a strong women’s team in this edition of the Asian Wrestling Championship, but not all had a fruitful outing.
- In the 57kg category, Neha Sharma could not break into the medal rounds. She fought hard but failed to advance past the early stages.
- In the 65kg weight class, Monika began with promise but lost her quarterfinal match in a closely contested bout, eliminating her from the medal contention.
- Jyoti Beriwal, who competed in the 72kg division, also failed to reach the semifinals or repechage.
These losses dealt a blow to India’s overall medal count in the women’s freestyle section, but the country’s hopes now hinge on Manisha’s final and Antim’s bronze medal bout.
India’s Medal Tally So Far
As of Friday evening, India has secured six medals at the ongoing Asian Wrestling Championship — four in women’s wrestling and two in Greco-Roman events. This tally includes:
- Two silver medals
- Four bronze medals
Manisha’s final and Antim’s bronze medal bout offer India an opportunity to improve this count further. If Manisha wins gold, it will mark a major achievement for Indian women’s wrestling, which has shown rapid progress in the last decade.
Men’s Freestyle Action Set to Begin
The spotlight will now shift to the men’s freestyle competition, which begins on Saturday. Top Indian wrestlers like Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Ravi Dahiya (61kg), Bajrang Punia (65kg), and Deepak Punia (86kg) are expected to participate, depending on fitness and team selection. With India’s strong tradition in men’s freestyle, fans hope to see a new set of podium finishes over the weekend.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), despite recent controversies and administrative challenges, has managed to field a competitive squad. Wrestlers have stayed focused, and their performances at the Asian Championship so far prove their resilience and determination.
Manisha’s Rise Reflects the Depth of Indian Women’s Wrestling
Manisha Bhanwala’s journey to the final highlights the growing depth in India’s women’s wrestling program. While elite names like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have long dominated headlines, new contenders like Manisha, Antim, and Anshu Malik are stepping up and claiming their space at the highest level.
Manisha, who hails from Haryana, began wrestling at a young age in her village’s local akhara. With support from her family and local coaches, she honed her technique and gradually climbed the national ranks. Her performances in domestic championships caught the attention of selectors, and she now stands on the brink of continental glory.
Her powerful performances in this tournament prove her mental strength, technical versatility, and excellent mat awareness. If she clinches the gold, it will mark a personal breakthrough and a huge boost for Indian wrestling.
Antim Panghal Remains a Bright Prospect
Despite her semifinal loss, Antim Panghal remains one of India’s brightest young prospects. At just 20, she became the first Indian woman to win the U20 World Championship, and her aggressive style has already made her a fan favorite. Her return to form after the Paris Olympics shows character, and she will surely regroup for future challenges.
Antim’s ability to analyze her losses and learn from them could prove vital in her quest for Olympic success in 2028.
Final Thoughts
India’s wrestling contingent continues to fight hard at the Asian Wrestling Championship, delivering strong performances and gaining valuable experience. As Manisha Bhanwala prepares for the most important match of her career, the nation waits with bated breath for a potential gold medal finish.
Meanwhile, Antim Panghal will aim to bounce back with a podium finish, reminding everyone why she remains a central figure in Indian wrestling’s future.
With the men’s freestyle competition kicking off next, the Indian camp has plenty to look forward to. One thing is certain — Indian wrestling continues to rise, one mat at a time.
