New Delhi, March 17 Overcoming "self doubts," Meenakshi Goyat stunned Antim Panghal to secure her place in the Indian women's team for the upcoming Asian Championships, handing the two-time World Championship medallist a rare defeat at home.
Having lost to Antim three times in the trials previously, Meenakshi put up a strong defensive performance, securing an impressive "fall" victory after leading 6-2 against the Asian Games bronze medallist, who has dominated the 53kg weight category since the iconic Vinesh Phogat's departure.
Meenakshi often kept Antim in a headlock position, preventing her from utilizing her aggressive and attacking style.
Antim initially attempted a double leg attack, but Meenakshi countered effectively, even creating a position from which she pushed for a "pin".
Meenakshi scored a takedown to gain an advantage, while Antim retaliated with a point. The 21-year-old then attempted single leg attacks, but Meenakshi maintained a strong defense. With a push-out point, Antim tied the score at 2-2.
In the second period, Meenakshi secured consecutive takedown moves, leading 6-2. With only nine seconds remaining, Meenakshi managed to pin Antim, securing a victory over the three-time Asian Championship medallist.
In disbelief, Antim did not get up, remaining on the mat on her back. Meenakshi, unable to stop smiling, offered her support to the superior opponent.
The 25-year-old Meenakshi, who is a two-time national champion, trains in Sonepat under former national coach Kuldeep Malik. She has competed in the 50kg category multiple times but is now focused on 53kg.
"It's truly exciting to win the trials," Meenakshi said, acknowledging her achievement.
"I was able to play my game today. Despite being well-prepared, I had previously lost to stronger opponents, but this time I didn't let it slip. I had these doubts about my own abilities, but I have overcome that mental block," said Meenakshi, who hails from Jind.
The spirited wrestler described how she spent the night before with positive affirmations.
"I didn't want to waste this opportunity. I imagined winning and winning by technical superiority, even until midnight. I told myself that I had already won and I was going to the Asian Championships," said Meenakshi, who has trained under several coaches throughout her career.
"My family also supported me and encouraged me, telling me that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have practiced these moves so many times that my defence is now instinctive. I didn't give her an easy chance," she explained.
Kuldeep's son, Ajay, who also trains Meenakshi, said, "We were confident from the beginning. We had been planning for this for a long time."
Before this stunning defeat, Antim had won both her bouts by technical superiority against Riya and Juli, without conceding a single point and in quick succession.
Meenakshi had also won both her bouts by technical superiority against Gouri and Anjli, without losing a point.
The Asian Championships will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 6 to 11.
Notable Performances:
Also putting up an impressive show was Neelam, who secured her spot in the Indian team in the 50kg weight class.
Neelam's suplex throw against Shivani during her 7-3 win was a standout performance of the day. Neelam secured a grip on Shivani's waist, arched backward, lifted her, and landed her on her back.
Neelam dominated Priyanshi in the final, winning by technical superiority.
In other categories, there were no surprises as Mansi Ahlawat (62kg) and Manisha Bhanwala (57kg) emerged victorious after defeating their rivals from the Rohtak centre, which is coached by Mandeep Singh.
Since the formidable Manisha Bhanwala has moved down from 62kg to 57kg, there were fewer competitors in this weight class. Only three wrestlers competed.
Hanshika (55kg), Neha Sangwan (59kg), Monika (65kg), Mansi Lather (68kg), Harshita (72kg) and Kajal (76kg) also won their respective categories.
Men's Squad:
Ankush (57kg), Aman Sehrawat (61kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), Abhimanyou (70kg), Jaideep (74kg), Sandeep Mann (79kg), Mukul Dahiya (86kg), Puneet Kumar (92kg), Vicky (97kg), and Dinesh (125kg).