March 18, New Delhi – Olympian Antim Panghal failed to qualify for the Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships after losing to Meenakshi in the women’s 53kg selection trials final in New Delhi.
Meenakshi, a two-time national champion and a silver medallist at the Muhammad Malo Ranking Series last month, defeated two-time world championships medallist Antim in a memorable victory.
The Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Championships, which are scheduled to be held in Kyrgyzstan between April 6 and 12, was selected following selection trials.
Manisha Bhanwala, a gold medallist at the 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships in the 62kg category, will return to the continental competition.
Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat chose to compete in the non-Olympic 61kg category and secured a spot in the division.
