Antim Panghal Secures Maiden Silver in Women’s 53kg Wrestling at Asian Games 2026

Indian star wrestler Antim Panghal scripted history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling category.

Congratulations to Antim Panghal on clinching the Silver Medal in Women’s Freestyle 53kg at the Asian Games 2026.#Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/Nc3DX9QTud

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 3, 2026

Supported under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core Group, Panghal’s achievement marks India’s first-ever silver medal in the

Women’s 53kg division at the Asian Games.
Panghal finished behind Japan’s Moe Kiyooka, who claimed the gold medal. Zhang Jin of China and Zeinep Bayanova of Kazakhstan shared the bronze medals.

The silver represents another significant step forward in Panghal’s international career. She had previously won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, making her latest performance a notable improvement on the continental stage.

Her Aichi-Nagoya campaign also adds to India’s strong showing in wrestling at the 2026 Asian Games. Panghal’s medal underlines her continued progress while highlighting the role of structured support and preparation through initiatives such as TOPS.

With this historic silver, Antim Panghal has added another important chapter to India’s Asian Games wrestling story and strengthened her standing among the country’s leading international wrestlers.