No Antim Panghal in India's contingent for Asian Wrestling Championships 2026; check full squad
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
India bagged 10 medals in the last edition of Asian Wrestling Championships 2025.
A 20-member Indian contingent is all set to participate in the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026, scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 6 to 12.
An upset was witnessed in the final of the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships trials in the U-53 kg category as Meenakshi pinned two-time world championship bronze medallist Antim Phangal to secure a spot in the upcoming competition. The trials were held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
She said after the triumph (via the Bridge), “I had the confidence from the start, as every time I make mistakes just because of my self-doubt, but this time I thought there was nothing to lose and had my plans for this win.”
Meenakshi, aged 25, won her first international medal at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Albania last month in the 53kg category. She bagged the silver medal as she came up short against Natalia Malysheva in the summit clash.
Meanwhile, another surprising result came in the women’s 76kg final, where Kajal Dhochak recorded a 4-2 victory over favourite Priya Malik in order to secure a berth in the Asian Championships.
The likes of Manisha, Neelam Sirohi (50 kg) and Manisha Bhanwala (57 kg) gave solid performances in their respective weight classes and are also set to represent India at the upcoming tournament in Bishkek. Due to Nisha Dahiya’s withdrawal from the selection trials, courtesy of injury, Mansi Lather bagged the 68 kg spot.
Also Read: Top 10 greatest Indian wrestlers of all-time
In the men’s trials, Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat qualified for the Asian Wrestling Championships in the 61kg non-Olympic category.
In Sehrawat’s absence, Ankush will fight for the tri-colour flag in the 53 kg banner. Meanwhile, Jaideep is set to return to the Indian contingent in the 74 kg category after a long hiatus due to an injury.
India’s freestyle contingent for Asian Wrestling Championships 2026
Women: Neelam Sirohi (50kg), Meenakshi (53kg), Hanshika Lamba (55kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57kg), Neha Sangwan (59kg), Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), Monika (65kg), Mansi Lather (68kg), Harshitha (72kg), and Kajal Dhocjak (76kg).
Men: Ankush (57kg), Aman Sehrawat (61kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), Abhimanyou (70kg), Jaideep (74kg), Sandeep Mann (79kg), Mukul Dahiya (86kg), Punit Kumar (92kg), Vicky (97kg), and Dinesh Shankar (125kg).
Where and when will Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 take place?
The event will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 6 to 12.
What is India’s contingent for Asian Wrestling Championships 2026?
Women: Neelam Sirohi (50 kg), Meenakshi (53 kg), Hanshika Lamba (55 kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57 kg), Neha Sangwan (59 kg), Mansi Ahlawat (62 kg), Monika (65 kg), Mansi Lather (68 kg), Harshitha (72 kg), and Kajal Dhocjak (76 kg)
Men: Ankush (57kg), Aman Sehrawat (61kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), Abhimanyou (70kg), Jaideep (74kg), Sandeep Mann (79kg), Mukul Dahiya (86kg), Punit Kumar (92kg), Vicky (97kg), and Dinesh Shankar (125kg)
Why did Antim Panghal miss out on making the squad for Asian Wrestling Championships 2026?
Antim lost her final bout to Meenakshi in the 53kg category trial finals and failed to make the squad.
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