Asian Games 2023: Fast rising Antim Panghal is all set to make her debut in the Asian Games 2023. The 19-year old recently became the first Indian woman wrestler to win back-to-back U20 World titles. Having made the cut to the Asian Games in place of the injured Vinesh Phogat, the youngster who is just starting her career wants to better the feats of her decorated senior compatriot.
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Antim Panghal vs Vinesh Phogat
There was a battle between Antim Panghal and Vinesh Phogat for the lone spot in the Women’s 53 kg category in the Asian Games. Vinesh Phogat was exempted from the trials and was given a direct entry.
Panghal was miffed with the decision and dragged Phogat to court challenging the decision. But she had lost the petition. Panghal went on tp win the trials and was added as a back-up to Vinesh Phogat in the Asian Games squad. But the latter later suffered a knee injury and Panghal will be India’s lone representative in the Women’s 53 kg event.
“Vinesh is a very good wrestler, she has medals in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships. But I try do better than her. Work harder than her to try to do better than her,” Panghal said in a virtual interaction on Thursday.
While Antim Panghal is preparing for the Asian Games , she is also set to feature in the World Wrestling Championships Trials, which will be held on August 25 and 26. “My practice is going very well, have been practising for Asian Games for long. I will be appearing in the World Trials tomorrow,” Panghal said in her preparations.
“I am working hard on my game, doing mediation to maintain mental calmness. Just trying to stay relax and meditation gives me that,” she added.
Asian Games preparations
The 19-year old failed to make the cut to the Commonwealth Games squad after losing the selection trials final to Vinesh Phogat. She said her life and approach towards wrestling changed after the loss. “After last year’s Commonwealth Games trials, I was determined to do good at the senior level. I started to fight good bouts.”
“My life changed after that, I started to concentrate more on training. But I know I will have to work harder at the senior level.” Panghal feels the back-to-back gold medals in U20 world championships will act a motivation for her in the upcoming competitions.
“Wrestlers from all nations will be tough in Asiad. This is my first Asian Games, never played before so I will try to do my best. “Pressure is there to win medals, but medals gives you motivation,” she concluded.
