Indian wrestler Antim Panghal secured a bronze medal in the women’s 53 kg freestyle category at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia. She defeated Sweden’s U23 World Champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren decisively with a 9–1 scoreline, marking her second consecutive World Championship bronze after 2023.
This medal ensured India’s continued presence on the World Championship medal tally since 2018. Wrestling officials and her coach praised her resilience, especially following the emotional challenges she faced after the 2024 Olympics.
Dominant Performance and Expert Praise
Antim Panghal’s journey at Zagreb was marked by technical mastery and mental toughness. She began the tournament with a commanding 10-0 win by technical superiority against Spain’s Carla Jaume Soler. In the quarterfinals, she edged out China’s Zhang Jin in a tight 9-8 encounter before falling narrowly 5-3 to Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Lucía Yépez of Ecuador in the semifinals.
In the bronze medal bout, Panghal dominated Malmgren, a two-time European champion, winning 9-1 with a mix of swift leg attacks and solid defence. The crowd witnessed her composure as she overcame a semi-final heartbreak, returning to the mat with determination and confidence.
Her coach Siyanand Dahiya commented that this medal ranks higher than her 2023 one due to the obstacles she overcame, affirming her status as a top Indian wrestler. Officials from the Wrestling Federation of India celebrated her achievement, underlining the significance of her consistency and contribution to India’s international wrestling stature.
Background and Career Milestones
At just 21, Panghal has emerged as a leading figure in Indian women’s wrestling, especially in the competitive 53 kg weight class previously dominated by Vinesh Phogat. Her World Championship medals in 2023 and 2025 place her among the elite Indian women wrestlers with multiple world-level podium finishes.
She has also won bronze at the Asian Games, along with silver and bronze at the Asian Championships and two Grand Prix golds in her career. Her steady transition from junior to senior levels shows the depth of her skills and her ability to perform under pressure.
Panghal’s comeback story is particularly inspiring given the disappointment she faced at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she experienced a first-round exit and subsequent deportation for procedural violations. The resilience she showed in Zagreb stands as a testament to her dedication and mental strength.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Antim Panghal’s success is a powerful narrative of determination, courage, and the triumph of spirit over setbacks. Her growing legacy encourages young women across India to see possibilities beyond traditional barriers and pursue sports with zeal.
At The Logical Indian, such stories reinforce our commitment to celebrating achievements that inspire and foster empathy, equality, and perseverance. Supporting athletes like Panghal is crucial to nurturing India’s sports culture and promoting wider social change through inclusivity and empowerment.
