‘Giving my 100 per cent in training, focus is on mat’ Japanese coach Kosei Akashi

Antim Panghal after training at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday

There is little doubt that 22-year-old Antim Panghal will be cynosure of all eyes in the women's freestyle wrestling competition at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19 to October 4).

The medium-built grappler, who sports cropped hair and hails from Bhagana village in Haryana's Hisar district, already boasts an impressive CV at a young age. She's a two-time junior world champion, an Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist and a two-time senior World Championships bronze medallist.

Panghal booked her place in the Indian team in May, after beating Meenakshi Goyat (53kg category) in the selection trials at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Interestingly, this is the same weight category in which former star Vinesh Phogat competed.

Panghal is confident about her preparation for the continental showpiece in Japan. "This year's Asian Games is important, no doubt. I'm giving my 100 per cent in training. I have focused more on the mat, especially attack and defence," Panghal told mid-day after a training session here on Tuesday.

Japanese coach Kosei Akashi, who is also head coach at JSW's Inspire Institute of Sport, where Panghal trains, will be part of the Asian Games set-up. His presence is expected to be a boost for the wrestler. Akashi has also been involved at the national camp, where the focus has been on fine-tuning Panghal's technique. "Coach sir has made me focus more on fighting the bout on the mat. We are working and preparing hard and will try to give our best," said Panghal.
Asked about the tough competition at the Asiad, Panghal said: "Japan, China and South Korea will be tough, in particular," she said.

There's an interesting story behind her name. Antim means last in English. She's the second-youngest of five children born to Ram Niwas Panghal and Krishna Kumari, and the youngest daughter of the family. When it comes to competition though, Panghal wants nothing to do with Antim.