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Antim Panghal, India's rising wrestling star, is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 19-year-old prodigy is expected to be a medal contender in the 53 kg weight category, carrying the hopes of her nation on her shoulders.Panghal's journey began at the tender age of 10, inspired by her elder sister, a kabaddi player. Encouraged by her sibling, she embarked on a path that would lead her to unprecedented heights in Indian wrestling. In an exclusive interview with JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Panghal shared her remarkable story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.Reflecting on her early days, Panghal admitted to experiencing nerves before stepping onto the mat. However, once the competition commenced, her fears dissipated, replaced by an unwavering determination to fight and win. The two-time Junior World Champion's journey took a pivotal turn at the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials. A disappointing loss to Vinesh Phogat ignited a fire within her, propelling her to work harder than ever before."The loss at the trial for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Vinesh Phogat was tough, but it motivated me to work harder," Panghal said. "I went on to win a gold at the Junior World Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to do so, and later won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships. My life changed after the 2022 Commonwealth Games."Panghal emphasized the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. "If I lose a match, I don't dwell on it," she said. "I motivate myself to do better and move on. I believe that the Almighty has a better plan for me, and there are lessons to be learned from my losses."Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Panghal aspires to emulate Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic wrestling medallist. "The country has placed its faith in me, and I want to live up to their expectations," she said. "Once I set my mind on something, I ensure it gets done."Panghal's achievements are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. She has created history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in 2022 and 2023. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games, and a silver at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Antim Panghal is determined to make her mark on the world stage. With her unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, she is poised to become a symbol of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has made a triumphant start to her Olympic preparations, capturing the women's 50kg gold medal at the Grand Prix of Spain in Madrid. The victory marks a significant milestone in Phogat's journey towards the Paris Olympics in 2024.Phogat, a two-time World Championship bronze medalist, showcased her dominance throughout the tournament. In the final, she faced Mariia Tiumerekova, a former Russian wrestler now competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete. Phogat displayed her superior technique and determination, securing a 10-5 victory to claim the gold medal.The road to the final was equally impressive for Phogat. She began her campaign with a convincing 12-4 points victory over Pan American champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba. In the quarterfinals, she registered a win by fall against Madison Parks of Canada, a silver medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Phogat's semifinal bout against another Canadian, Katie Dutchak, was equally dominant, as she emerged victorious with a 9-4 points margin.Phogat's triumph in Madrid is a testament to her unwavering commitment and hard work. The 29-year-old former Asian Games gold medalist has been training relentlessly in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Her victory in Spain provides a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum as she gears up for the biggest stage in sports.After her successful outing in Spain, Phogat will travel to France for a 20-day training stint. This training camp will serve as a crucial step in her preparations for the Paris Games, where she will aim to add an Olympic medal to her impressive resume.

Nisha Dahiya, a 24-year-old Indian wrestler, has secured a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 68kg weight category. Her victory at the World Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul on Friday marks India's fifth Paris Olympics quota in women's wrestling, the highest number the country has ever achieved.Dahiya's journey to the Olympics was not without its challenges. In the quarterfinals, she faced top seed Adela Hanzlickova of the Czech Republic, a multiple-time European championships medalist. Despite a shaky start, Dahiya managed to overcome Hanzlickova 7-4, showcasing her resilience and determination.In the semifinals, Dahiya faced Alexandra Anghel of Romania. She dominated the match, building an 8-0 lead before Anghel narrowed the deficit to 8-4. However, Dahiya held on to her advantage, securing her spot in Paris.Dahiya's success adds to the growing list of Indian wrestlers who have qualified for the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), and Reetika Hooda (76kg) have also earned quotas.On Saturday, India's freestyle wrestlers will have the opportunity to add to the country's Olympic contingent. The World Olympic Qualifiers are the final chance for wrestlers to secure their place in Paris.Dahiya's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is an Asian Championships medalist and a world U-23 bronze medalist. Her success is a source of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers in India and around the world.

Reetika Hooda, India's rising wrestling sensation, has etched her name in history by securing an Olympic quota in the 76kg weight division for the Paris Games. This marks the first time India will be represented in this weight class at the Olympics.Hooda's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and a fearless spirit. She believes in facing the toughest opponents to achieve greatness. Her recent success at the Olympic qualifiers in Bishkek, where she overcame formidable wrestlers like Davaanasan Enkh Amar and Juan Wang, is a testament to her exceptional talent.National coach Virender Singh Dahiya hails Hooda as the brightest Indian talent in women's wrestling. He praises her physical strength and mental fortitude, noting that she remains composed even when trailing in bouts.Hooda's inspiration stems from Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and two-time world champion Amit Elor. She admires Elor's technical prowess and calm demeanor during matches.Her coach at Chotu Ram Stadium, Mandeep Singh, highlights Hooda's positive mindset and unwavering belief in her abilities. He credits her with never shying away from strong opponents and constantly striving to improve.The turning point in Hooda's career came with her gold medal victory at the U23 World Championships in 2023. This triumph instilled in her the belief that she could achieve Olympic glory.Hooda's mother has played a crucial role in her success, providing unwavering support and meticulous attention to her diet and hydration.With her Olympic quota secured, Hooda's focus now shifts to winning an Olympic medal. Her unwavering determination and exceptional talent make her a formidable contender for the podium in Paris.

Indian Wrestlers Aim for Paris Games Quota at Asia Olympic QualifiersThe road to the Paris 2024 Olympics begins in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as 17 Indian wrestlers, including two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, embark on their quest for quota places at the Asia Olympic qualifiers starting Friday.With 36 quotas up for grabs in 18 weight categories across freestyle, women's, and Greco-Roman disciplines, India will be represented in all but one weight category. Antim Panghal has already secured a quota in women's 53kg after her bronze medal performance at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.The spotlight will be on Vinesh Phogat, a former Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medalist, who has been at the forefront of Indian wrestlers' protests against the former national federation president. Despite recent controversies, the 29-year-old will be eager to prove her worth and earn a spot in her third Olympics.Other Indian wrestlers to watch include Reetika Hooda (76kg), Anshu (57kg), Mansi (62kg), and Nisha (68kg) in the women's categories. In the men's freestyle category, Aman Sehrawat (57kg) will be the center of attention after defeating Tokyo Olympic medalist Ravi Dahiya in the national trials. Sujeet will lead the challenge in the 65kg category, while Deepak Punia (86kg), Jaideep (74kg), Deepak (97kg), and Sumit (125kg) will also aim for quota places.In Greco-Roman, Sumit (60kg), Ashu (67kg), Vikas (77kg), Sunil (87kg), Nitesh (97kg), and Naveen (130kg) will represent India.The continental qualifiers will feature no gold medal, repechage, or bronze-medal bouts. Instead, the winners of both semi-finals in each Olympic weight class will earn a quota for their countries at the Paris Games.