Never ‘Last’: Decade-Long Journey of Antim Panghal, India’s Youngest Wrestler at Paris Olympics 2024

At just 19, Antim Panghal has become a beacon of hope and pride for Indian wrestling, emerging as the youngest Indian wrestler at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a remarkable journey marked by determination, hard work, and an unwavering spirit, Antim has already established herself as a formidable competitor on the international stage. Her ascent in the wrestling world, from a small village in Haryana to the grand arenas of the Olympics, is nothing short of inspirational.

Early Life: A Humble Beginning in Hisar

In the heart of Hisar, Haryana, a small village witnessed the birth of a future wrestling star, Antim Panghal, on 31 August 2004. Born into a family that valued hard work and perseverance, Antim’s name, which means ‘last’, was chosen by her family in the hopes that she would be their last daughter. Little did they know that Antim would soon rise to become a significant figure in Indian sports.

Antim grew up in a household with three older sisters and one younger brother. Her journey into wrestling began at the tender age of 10, inspired by her eldest sister, Sarita, a national-level kabaddi player. Recognizing Antim’s potential, Sarita introduced her to wrestling, taking her to the Mahavir Stadium in Hisar for training. Despite initial reluctance from her father, Ram Niwas, Antim’s coach, Roshni Devi, managed to convince him to support his daughter’s passion.

Journey to Success: Early Achievements and Breakthroughs

Antim’s dedication and hard work quickly bore fruit. In 2018, she became the 49 kg U-15 national champion in Patna and brought home a bronze from the U-15 Asian Wrestling Championships in Japan the same year. Her success continued with several cadet U-17 national titles. By 2020, at just 17 years old, Antim had already won a gold medal at the junior Asian Championships and a silver at the U-23 Asian Championships, defeating much older and experienced opponents.

However, it was in 2022 that Antim truly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in Indian wrestling. During the selection trials for the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, Antim almost denied Vinesh Phogat a spot. Although she lost the bout by criteria after a tie, Antim quickly bounced back, winning the women’s 53kg division at the 2022 Zouhaier Sghaier Ranking Series and securing her first senior gold medal. She defeated USA’s Dominique Parrish, who later became the world champion in the category, en route to the title in Tunis.

Historic Triumphs: Breaking Barriers and Setting Records

A few months later, Antim made history by winning a gold medal at the U-20 World Wrestling Championships 2022 in Sofia, Bulgaria, becoming the first Indian to win the title in the competition’s history. She successfully defended her crown a year later in Amman, becoming the only two-time junior world champion from India.

In April 2023, Antim won a silver medal at the Asian Championships in Astana. Her impressive run was only halted by Japan’s Akari Fujinami, a modern-day wrestling phenom. Despite this, Antim’s performance was outstanding, showcasing her growth and potential on the international stage. Her debut at the senior world championships in 2023 in Belgrade was equally impressive, where she secured a bronze medal, defeating the defending champion Parrish in the opening round and securing her victory over Sweden’s Jonna Malmgren.

Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Paris 2024

Despite winning the selection trials for the Asian Games 2023, Antim faced challenges, as the federation granted a direct entry to Vinesh Phogat for the women’s 53kg category. However, a last-minute injury to Vinesh gave Antim the opportunity to compete. She didn’t disappoint, securing a bronze medal at her Asian Games debut. Antim’s resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities have been critical to her success.

In December 2023, Antim Panghal was named the women’s Rising Star of the Year by United World Wrestling (UWW), the world governing body of the sport. This accolade was a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work. Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Panghal aims to follow in the footsteps of Sakshi Malik, India’s sole female Olympic wrestling medalist.

Family Support: The Backbone of Her Journey

Antim’s journey to the top has been supported by her family’s unwavering belief in her potential. Her father, Ram Niwas, initially reluctant about her wrestling career, became one of her biggest supporters. The family relocated to ensure Antim had access to the best training facilities, a decision that proved pivotal in her career. Her eldest sister, Sarita, played a crucial role in introducing her to wrestling and supporting her throughout her journey.

The Olympic Dream: A Nation’s Hope

As Antim prepares for her debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the nation’s hopes are pinned on her. She is determined to bring home a medal and make India proud. “The country has placed its faith in me, and I want to live up to their expectations. Once I set my mind on something, I ensure it gets done,” she said. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the grand stage of the Olympics is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her family.

Antim’s story is not just about personal success but also about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female athletes in India. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for young girls aspiring to make a mark in the world of sports. As she steps onto the mat at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Antim Panghal carries the hopes and dreams of a nation with her, ready to etch her name in the annals of Indian sports history.

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