In preparation for the much-awaited Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Indian wrestler Antim Panghal shared her thoughts on her preparations for her debut at the Games, which begin on July 26.

Panghal claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 53kg category at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, defeating Swedish two-time European champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren. The victory earned her a quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics for India.

“We are focusing much more on mat training now. Though we were training earlier, the Olympics is a big event. This is the first time I am qualifying for it,” Panghal told ANI.

The 19-year-old wrestler also discussed the injury she sustained before the Budapest Championships, where she won a silver medal. “I was a bit tired because of the injury. However, I trained well, focusing on everything from mat work to floor training, with the support of my coach. After winning the silver medal in the ranking series, I believed that if I performed well at the Olympics, I could win a silver medal,” she added.

Panghal also spoke about the challenges she expects to face at the Olympics, noting that the competition from Japan and China will be particularly tough. “The competition will be tough because it is a big event. All the participants will be strong. In my opinion, the players from Japan and China are particularly strong,” she said.

In her closing remarks, Panghal expressed her gratitude for the support of Asics. “Asics company has been a great support throughout my journey. Their equipment fits well and the technology they use boosts my confidence and comfort,” she concluded.

Antim Panghal made history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in 2022, and successfully defended her title in 2023. She also won bronze at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, bronze at the 2022 Asian Games and silver at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.

(Win ANI entries)
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