Indian wrestler Antim Panghal on Thursday, competing in her first senior World Championships, defeated Swedish champion and European champion Jonna Malmgren in the 53 kg division to secure a bronze medal and a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The two-time U20 global champion was at the top of her game as she won 16-6 on the basis of technical superiority (TSU), earning her first medal at the senior global Championships.

Panghal defeated current world champion Olivia Dominique Parrish of the US in the qualifying rounds before defeating Roksana Marta Zasina of Poland in the TSU to earn the bronze medal.

Following WFI’s suspension by the world governing body, the 19-year-old athlete from Haryana, who is competing as a neutral athlete, defeated Natalia Malysheva of Russia in the quarterfinal before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus in the semifinal on Wednesday.

The Haryana wrestler appears to be adjusting to the senior circuit without difficulty after standing out in the trials for the Asian Games and World Championships.

A category that Vinesh Phogat has dominated thanks to her incredible display over the past few years is seeing a rise in Panghal.

The 53kg quota will likely remain with Panghal as Phogat, a two-time World medalist, recovers from knee surgery.

The quota currently belongs to IOA. Phogat’s straight entry into the Asian Games was contested by Panghal, who claimed she was capable of defeating the seasoned Indian competitor.

Panghal, who just missed out on the gold medal match, has made a significant statement by taking home the bronze.

Panghal started with an early push-out point and quickly took a 5-0 lead. Malmgren used a takedown manoeuvre to fight and had the Indian in her grasp, but the Indian managed to escape.

The Swedish player’s brilliant double-leg attack further whittled down the deficit, and Malmgren’s six straight points gave him a razor-thin 6-5 lead.

Panghal scored a point on a counterattack just before the opening frame ended to tie the score at 6-6. Panghal dominated the second period as the two-time U20 winner executed move after move to extend her lead.

The strong Panghal used leg-lace to quickly widen the gap despite the determined resistance from the Swede and eventually prevailed through technical superiority.

With Panghal’s bronze medal triumph, India’s women’s championship campaign came to an end. India has only received one medal to yet.

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