Asian Games 2023: Antim Panghal clinches bronze in women's 53Kg wrestling

This was her maiden Asian Games medal.

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal achieved an impressive milestone at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, securing the bronze medal in women's freestyle 53kg wrestling. She accomplished this feat by defeating Bolortuya Bat-Ochir of Mongolia with a commendable score of 3-1.

Antim began her campaign with a convincing victory over Jasmina Immaeva from Uzbekistan, demonstrating technical superiority. However, both Antim and her Mongolian counterpart faced defeat in their previous bouts against Akari Fujinami, a two-time Japanese world champion.

During the bronze medal match, Antim executed a leg attack against Bat-Ochiryn Bolortuyaa, who skillfully evaded the move. Nonetheless, Bolortuyaa was penalized with the loss of a point for passivity. By the end of the first round, Antim had impressively established a 3-0 lead.

In the second round, despite Antim incurring a penalty point for passivity, which she was unable to convert into points, it did not deter the 19-year-old wrestler. She ultimately secured the bronze medal for her country.

Antim's victory brought substantial relief to the wrestling contingent, as no other wrestler managed to secure a medal throughout the day.

In addition to Antim, other Indian wrestlers in action on this day included Narinder Cheema, Naveen, Pooja Gehlot, and Mansi Ahlawat.

Narinder faced defeat in his match against South Korea's Seyeol Lee in the Men's 97 Greco Roman event, while Naveen also lost his bronze medal match to South Korea's Minseok in the Greco Roman 130kg event.

Pooja Gehlot made a promising start, securing two consecutive victories in the women’s 50kg event. However, she encountered a setback in the semi-final match when she was defeated by Japan's Remina Yoshimoto through technical superiority.

In her pursuit of a podium finish, Gehlot then experienced a 9-2 defeat against Uzbekistan's Aktenge Keunimjaeva, ultimately missing out on the opportunity to claim a bronze medal.

Similarly, Mansi Ahlawat displayed her resilience as she reached the bronze medal bout through the repechage rounds in the women’s 57Kg event. However, Ahlawat was unable to secure a medal as she succumbed to a fall against Laylokhon Sobirova.

India concluded the day with a total of 86 medals in their kitty, comprising 21 gold, 32 silver, and 33 bronze medals.