New Delhi, September 19(HS): Antim Panghal clinched India’s first medal at the ongoing World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, capturing bronze in the women’s 53kg division. The 21-year-old star dominated Sweden’s Olympic contender Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren, prevailing 9-1 in the bronze medal bout — her second career Worlds medal following a previous success in 2023.

Panghal took early control in the contest with a rapid 3-0 lead, and consolidated her advantage through resolute defense and precise scoring. Her finishing throw sealed the victory, bringing relief to the Indian camp after earlier setbacks.

Elsewhere in women’s wrestling, Priyanka Malik (76kg) fell short in her bronze medal match, succumbing 0-10 to Cuban Olympic medalist Milaimys Marín Potrille. Manisha Bhanwala (62kg) exited in the repechage round after a 0-9 defeat by Bulgaria’s Bilyana Dudova.

On the Greco-Roman side, Indian wrestlers faced continued disappointment. None managed a win, with Anil Mor (55kg) suffering a swift defeat to Azerbaijan’s world number-one Eldaniz Azizli in just 13 seconds. Aman (77kg) lost on technical superiority to Japan’s Olympic gold medalist Nao Kusaka; Rahul (82kg) was bested 7-1 by Kazakhstan’s Almir Tolebayev; and Sonu (130kg) fell 8-0 to Croatia’s Marko Kossovic .

While India’s Greco-Roman contingent struggled, Antim Panghal’s historic effort and perseverance ensured India retained its place on the medal table for the third consecutive Worlds.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar