Antim Panghal scripts history; becomes India's 1st U20 World Champion in women’s wrestling

India's junior wrestler Antim Panghal created history on Friday by becoming U20 World Champion in Sofia, Bulgaria. Panghal became first-ever Indian woman wrestler to win gold at U20 World Wrestling Championships. In final, Antim defeated Atlyn Shagayeva of Kazakhstan in 53kg category to win gold medal.

ors Indian wrestler who previously became U20 World Champions were current CWG gold medalists Deepak Punia, Ramesh Kumar, Palwinder Singh Cheema and Pappu Yav.

U20 World Championships: Antim Panghal wins historic gold

Antim Panghal started her tournament against German Amery Olivia beating her 11-0 and winning game with technical superiority. Indian wrestler defeated Ayaka Kimura of Japan by fall in her second match. In semi-final match, Panghal faced Nataliia Klivchutska of Ukraine and went on to win contest in a dominating fashion with a scoreline of 11- 2. In final against Altyn Shagayeva of Kazakistan, Antim began bout with a double leg attack and n went for an outside he for anor takedown. At break, Indian wrestler h a 6-0 le. After break, Antim was happy to play out three minutes and only scored one takedown to win bout by 8-0 margin.

or Indian wrestlers who competed in final on Friday failed to win gold medal. Two-time U17 world champion Sonam Malik h to settle for silver after losing to Nonoka Ozaki in final of   62kg category. In anor India-Japan final in 65kg category, India's Priyanka lost to Japan's Mahiro Yoshitake 0-8.

A look at Antim Panghal's career

Antim Panghal, in past, won bronze at Cet World Championships (2021) and gold at Asian Junior Championships (2022). She also won silver at U23 Asian Championships this year. During  selection trials for Commonwealth Games in June, Antim faced Vinesh Phogat and was leing 3-1 till final 10 seconds when Phogat turned around things to win match.