Antim Panghal Bides Jalebi for Olympic Dream
For the past three years, Antim Panghal has avoided eating jalebi, her favorite sweet treat. The 22-year-old wrestler is holding off on indulging until after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, making this sacrifice part of her dedication to the sport.
Right now, her main focus is on the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, but her ultimate goal is to bring home an Olympic medal from Los Angeles. In a recent interview, she shared her commitment: “I have not had it for three years now. I will eat it in 2028. I really want to eat it, but I will not eat it now. Whenever I go home, my mother prepares Kadhi and Churma for me.”
Before she can think about the Olympics, Antim has her sights set on competing in Japan. She will participate in the 53kg category at the Asian Games, aiming to improve upon the bronze medal she earned in Hangzhou in 2023. “I will give my 100 percent. Last time, I was a junior, but this time I have to compete as a senior,” she stated.
Her journey at the Asian Games is also a stepping stone towards her Olympic goals. The World Championships in October will be a crucial test for Antim as the Olympic qualification cycle begins in February 2027. “I have to qualify for the Olympics next year. I must perform at my best in the World Championships,” she emphasized.
Setting Her Sights on the Asian Games
Antim secured her place on India’s Asian Games team after defeating Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg selection bout in New Delhi. Meenakshi had previously surprised many by defeating Vinesh Phogat in the semi-finals before Antim ended her run.
In Japan, Antim expects tough competition, especially from wrestling powerhouses like Japan, China, and North Korea. “We will do our best. But most of the challenges will come from these countries,” she noted. Last year, Antim spent time training at Nippon University in Japan, which should help her adjust to the conditions for the Asian Games.
A Rising Star in Indian Wrestling
Antim’s wrestling journey began in 2017 when her elder sister, a kabaddi player, encouraged her. Coming from Bhagana village in Hisar district, she participated in local competitions and quickly rose through the ranks. She became the first Indian woman wrestler to win back-to-back U20 World Championships titles in 2022 and 2023.
Her accolades also include senior World Championship bronze medals in 2023 and 2025, as well as an Asian Games bronze in Hangzhou. Antim’s achievements are a result of her family’s sacrifices, especially her father, Ram Niwas Panghal, who rented a place in Hisar so Antim could pursue training without any hassle.
“She wakes up at 4 am, practices twice a day, and has never once complained,” her father mentioned in an earlier interview.
As she prepares for the Asian Games, Antim is working harder than ever at the national camp in New Delhi, honing her skills with the guidance of Japanese coach Kosei Akaishi, a two-time Olympic medallist. Chief women’s wrestling coach Virender Dahiya believes Antim has what it takes to win gold in Japan and ultimately become an Olympic champion.
For Antim, the plan is straightforward: strive for an Asian Games gold, qualify for the Olympics, and seek a medal in Los Angeles. As she keeps her eyes on the prize, the jalebi can wait—after all, it’s already been three years.
