Two-time world championship medalist Antim Panghal has got the exit from the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championship selection trials. In the women’s 53kg finals, she was defeated by 25-year-old Meenakshi after trailing by 2-6. Meanwhile, Priya Malik is also out of the women’s 76 Kg event.
Meenakshi made easy counter-attacks to Antim’s move efficiently to secure her spots for the first time ever in the senior Asian Championships. Her brilliant form was witnessed at the Pro Wrestling League followed by a silver medal win at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series.
In her recent interview with The Bridge, Meenakshi had planned this win ahead of the match and worked it the way she wanted to defeat Antim in the trials.
“I had the confidence from the start, as every time I make mistakes just because of my self-doubt, but this time I thought there was nothing to lose and had my plans for this win,” she said.
Another shocking exit from the trials was in the heavyweight category. In the women’s 76 kg finals, Kajal Dhochak defeated Malik by a score of 4-2. Meanwhile, wrestlers Neelam Sirohi (50 Kg) and Manisha Bhanwala (57 Kg), secured wins in their respective categories.
Defending champion Manisha will compete in the Asian Championships for her second title, but in a different weight class this time. Last year she won gold medal in the 62kg category. Former world medalist Mansi Ahlawat will represent India in the 62Kg after securing her spot over Savita and Bhagyashree Fan.
On the other hand, Mansi Lather has got the chance to compete in the 68 kg weight class after Nisha Dahiya took an exit due to injury. Besides, India has selected a 10-member squad for the men’s freestyle section.
Indian Freestyle Teams for 2026 Asian Wrestling Championship
Women’s Squad –
Neelam Sirohi (50 Kg)
Meenakshi (53 Kg)
Hanshika Lamba (55 Kg)
Manisha Bhanwala (57 Kg)
Neha Sangwan (59 Kg)
Mansi Ahlawat (62 Kg)
Monika (65 Kg)
Mansi Lather (68Kg)
Harshitha (72 Kg)
Kajal Dhocjak (76 Kg)
Men’s Squad –
Ankush (57 Kg)
Aman Sehrawat (61 Kg)
Sujeet Kalkal (65 Kg)
Abhimanyou (70 Kg)
Jaideep (74 Kg)
Sandeep Mann (79 Kg)
Mukul Dahiya (86Kg)
Punit Kumar (92 Kg)
Vicky (97 Kg)
Dinesh Shankar (125 Kg)
