Antim, Manisha win wrestling trials for World Championships

The Indian women’s wrestling trials for the upcoming World Championships were concluded on Sunday. A mix of seasoned names and new challengers earned their spots across various weight categories, as India looks to assemble a strong squad for the global event.

Among the notable results, Antim Panghal, a 2023 World bronze medallist, was clinical in her 11-0 win over Hinaben in the 53kg category, showing no signs of rust as she prepares to defend her podium finish.

In the 50kg division, Ankush delivered a dominant performance, defeating Neelam 15-3 to secure her ticket to the Worlds. The 55kg bout proved more closely contested, with Nishu edging past Jyoti 2-1 in a tense encounter.

The day also witnessed a big upset as Asian champion Manisha Bhanwala stunned world medallist Mansi Ahlawat 2-1 in a gripping contest, turning the tide in a weight category packed with experience.

Other winners included:

57kg – Tapsya, who held her nerve to beat Neha Sharma 2-1

59kg – Neha Sangwan, with a confident final-round win

65kg – Vaishnavi Patil, who outclassed favourite Muskan 7-2

68kg – Radhika Jaglan, who claimed her spot by defeating Olympian Nisha Dahiya 10-4 in the opening round

72kg – Jyoti Berwal

76kg – Priya Malik

Nisha Dahiya’s much-anticipated return following her shoulder injury at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended in a first-round defeat. Dahiya had captured attention at the Games with her grit, especially after she led her quarterfinal bout against DPR Korea’s Pak Sol Gum before the injury derailed her medal hopes. Her participation in the trials, though short-lived, marked an important step in her recovery.