India’s Experienced Women’s Wrestling Squad Targets Improved Medal Haul at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

India’s wrestling contingent is preparing for a significant campaign at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with the women’s squad expected to spearhead the nation’s pursuit of podium finishes. Building on the foundation of three bronze medals secured during the previous edition in Hangzhou, the team enters the competition with a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talent, aiming to improve upon their past results.

The women’s team features a strong core of experienced athletes, including two-time World Championships medallist Antim Panghal, who will compete in the 53kg category with ambitions of upgrading her previous bronze. The squad also includes former Asian champion Manisha Bhanwala (57kg) and World under-23 bronze medallist Priya Malik (76kg), both of whom are viewed as primary medal contenders. Rounding out the group are former Asian silver medallist Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and 2024 World Championships bronze medallist Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), the latter having successfully returned to action following an injury recovery. While 17-year-old Dipanshi (50kg) represents the youth of the side, women’s coach Virender Dahiya remains optimistic, acknowledging the stiff challenge posed by rivals from China, Japan, the Koreas, and Central Asian nations.

The freestyle squad also includes Sagar Jaglan (74kg), while Deepak Punia, a silver medallist in the 86kg class at the last Games, will be testing his capabilities in the 97kg division. Freestyle coach Vinod Kumar has expressed high expectations for both Sehrawat and Kalkal to secure gold medals. In the Greco-Roman discipline, the team will be represented by 87kg bronze medallist Sunil Kumar, Asian under-23 champion Sumit Dalal (60kg), and Asian silver medallist Nitesh (97kg). Despite the presence of naturalised wrestlers from Russia and Iran representing other nations like Bahrain and Qatar, Greco-Roman coach Hargobind Singh remains confident in his team's ability to secure medals. Despite the setback of losing three wrestlers to doping, the overall Indian camp is focused on exceeding the six-medal haul achieved three years ago.