Wrestling

Antim Panghal Expresses Confidence in India's Wrestling Squad for Asian Games

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 9, 2026, 16:37 IST

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal has voiced optimism regarding the national team's preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, highlighting a collaborative training environment as the squad aims for gold in Aichi-Nagoya.

Antim Panghal Expresses Confidence in India's Wrestling Squad for Asian Games

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal has expressed strong confidence in the national wrestling contingent as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. With the continental event scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, the squad has been engaged in a rigorous three-month joint training camp.

Speaking on the team's preparation, Panghal noted that the current setup benefits from a balanced mix of experienced senior athletes and promising junior talent. This collaborative environment has allowed for consistent knowledge sharing, with senior members providing critical feedback to help refine the technical skills of their teammates.

Focus on Preparation and Performance

Panghal emphasized that the team is maintaining a composed mindset despite the significant expectations surrounding their medal prospects. According to the wrestler, the primary objective for every athlete is to secure gold, with the squad committed to delivering their best performance on the mat. She noted that while the Asian Games are a prestigious quadrennial event, the team approaches them with the same professional focus applied to any other major tournament.

The training regimen has been heavily centered on technical execution and the systematic correction of errors. By repeatedly addressing specific mistakes during practice sessions, the wrestlers aim to ensure they are fully prepared to execute their strategies effectively during competitive bouts. This focus on mat-based training is intended to streamline their performance and minimize vulnerabilities.

Building on Past Success

The Indian wrestling team is looking to improve upon their showing at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country secured three bronze medals. The national delegation is eager to build on the momentum of India’s record-breaking 107-medal haul at the 2023 edition of the Games, which included 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals.

The squad representing India in Aichi-Nagoya features a diverse group of athletes across various weight categories. The women's team includes Dipanshi (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57kg), Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), and Priya Malik (76kg). The men's freestyle contingent consists of Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), Sagar Jaglan (74kg), Deepak Punia (97kg), and Rajat Ruhal (125kg), while the Greco-Roman team is represented by Sumit Dalal (60kg), Deepak (67kg), Aman (77kg), Sunil Kumar (87kg), and Nitesh Kumar (97kg).