World Wrestling Championships 2026: Nishu sets up final trial clash with Antim Panghal for spot in 53kg category
(Courtesy : Wrestling Federation of India (WFI))
Kajal, Simran and Neelam also won their categories at WFI’s selection trials
Wrestler Nishu emerged victorious in the 53kg category at the national selection trials, setting up a final trial showdown with Asian Games-bound Antim Panghal for the berth at the Senior World Wrestling Championships 2026.
Nishu prevailed in a fiercely contested 53kg field at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, beating Thishka in the final.
Final trial to decide World Championships berth
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The final trial between Nishu and Antim will determine India’s representative in the category at the Senior World Championships to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan from October 24 to November 1.
Under the WFI’s selection policy, Monday’s trial winners have earned the right to challenge the Asian Games-bound wrestlers in a final trial for the Senior World Championships berths. The final trial will be held at a later date.
The trials in four non-olympic weight classes will also be held later.
Kajal, Simran, Neelam also win their categories
Two-time U20 World Champion Kajal continued her impressive run, finishing on top in the 76kg category after defeating Siksha in the final. Simran produced a composed performance to claim the 57kg title, edging out Swati Shinde, while Neelam prevailed over Ankush in the 50kg final to secure the top spot.
In the other categories, Tapsya won the 62kg division, defeating Anjali, while Srishti emerged victorious in the 68kg category after beating Bipasha.
WFI President Sanjay Singh said the standard of competition reflected the growing depth in Indian women’s wrestling.
“The quality and intensity of the bouts today were encouraging. The wrestlers fought with tremendous determination and showed that there is considerable depth across the weight categories. I congratulate all the winners and look forward to seeing them compete for India on the international stage,” Sanjay Singh said.
WFI Women’s Selection Trials Results
50kg: Neelam – 1st Position | Ankush – 2nd Position
53kg: Nishu – 1st Position | Thishka – 2nd Position
57kg: Simran – 1st Position | Swati Shinde – 2nd Position
62kg: Tapsya – 1st Position | Anjali – 2nd Position
68kg: Srishti – 1st Position | Bipasha – 2nd Position
76kg: Kajal – 1st Position | Siksha – 2nd Position
Who won the 53kg trial and who will they face next?
Nishu won the 53kg trial by beating Thishka and will now face Asian Games-bound Antim Panghal in a final trial for the Senior World Championships berth.
When and where are the Senior World Wrestling Championships 2026 being held?
The Senior World Wrestling Championships 2026 will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.
Who else won their categories at the WFI selection trials?
Kajal won the 76kg category, Simran won 57kg, Neelam won 50kg, Tapsya won 62kg, and Srishti won 68kg.
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