Antim Panghal Secures Bronze at 2025 Wrestling Worlds in Zagreb

On September 19, 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia, Indian wrestler Antim Panghal achieved a significant milestone by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 53kg category at the 2025 Wrestling World Championships. She decisively defeated Sweden’s Jonna Emma Malmgren with a score of 9-1. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for Panghal, who now joins an exclusive group of Indian wrestlers, becoming only the second Indian woman, after Vinesh Phogat, to secure multiple World Championship medals.

Panghal’s journey to this podium finish is particularly noteworthy as she previously won a bronze medal in her debut at the 2023 World Championships, also against Malmgren. Reflecting on her accomplishment, Panghal expressed surprise at the historical significance of her achievement, stating, “I didn’t have any idea that there were only two of us (who had won more than one medal).”

Her aspirations were initially set on winning gold. “I thought I would have a good match with the Japanese girl (eventual champion Haruna Murayama) in the final,” she noted. However, after a challenging semifinal where she lost 3-5 to Lucia Yepez Guzman, a silver medallist at the Paris Olympics, her focus shifted to ensuring a bronze medal.

Panghal’s rise in the wrestling world has been rapid. At just 21 years old, she has already made history as the first Indian woman to win a junior World title and has captured an Asian Games bronze. Yet, her journey has not been without setbacks. The 2024 Paris Olympics proved a disappointing chapter when she was eliminated in the opening round, an outcome that left her feeling disheartened and questioning her future in the sport.

“I remember those days. I was hiding from the media. I didn’t even want to look at any cameras. I was thinking of quitting,” she recalled, describing the emotional toll of her Olympic experience. With support from family and coaches, Panghal managed to regain her focus and returned to training, determined to overcome the psychological challenges and physical injuries she had sustained.

Siyanand Dahiya, Panghal’s coach at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Hisar, played a crucial role in her recovery. “Antim is not lacking in power or endurance, but she was very susceptible to ankle attacks,” he said. Their training focused on enhancing her defensive skills, which proved effective in her subsequent competitions.

Panghal’s performance in Zagreb reflects her growth, both technically and mentally. She has learned to filter out public criticism and focus on her own progress. “In India, when someone wins a (big) medal, they are raised to such a high level. And when they lose, the same people come after them,” she commented. Understanding the pressures of public expectation, she has chosen to focus on her support system, including her coach, physiotherapist, training partner, and family.

Moving forward, Panghal is optimistic about her future. “When I lost the semifinal bout, I was thinking that this time I would be fine. I am going from the competition; I am not injured,” she said. Her determination is clear as she sets her sights on the next World Championships, aiming for that elusive gold medal.

While the bronze medal in Zagreb is a commendable achievement, Panghal’s journey is just beginning. With her resilience and commitment to improvement, the wrestling world will be watching her closely in the years to come.