The 21-year-old then attempted single leg attacks but Meenakshi stayed solid in her defence. With a push-out point Antim made it 2-2.
Wrestler Meenakshi Goyat with her father after defeating Antim Panghal in the women's 53kg final at the Asian Wrestling Championships selection trials. Pic/PTI
Overcoming "self doubts", Meenakshi Goyat shocked Antim Panghal to book her place in the Indian women's team for the next month's Asian Championships, handing the two-time World Championship medallist a rare defeat at home. Having lost to Antim three times in the trials before, Meenakshi put up a display of solid defence, eking out an impressive 'win by fall' after leading 6-2 against the Asian Games bronze medal winner, who has literally owned the 53kg weight category since departure of iconic Vinesh Phogat. Meenakshi often had Antim in a head lock position, never allowing her to play to her strength -- aggressive and attacking game. Antim went for a double leg attack in the beginning but Meenakshi denied her fancy rival and even created a position from where she pushed for a 'pin'. Meenakshi executed a take down to go on board while Antim retaliated with a point.
The 21-year-old then attempted single leg attacks but Meenakshi stayed solid in her defence. With a push-out point Antim made it 2-2. In the second period, Meenakshi effected consecutive take down moves to go up 6-2. With nine seconds to go, Meenakshi managed to push Antim on the mat with a solid grip and succeeded in pinning the three-time Asian Championship medallist. In utter disbelief, Antim did not get up, staying on the mat on her back. Meenakshi, who could not stop smiling, came and offered a hand to her superior rival.
The 25-year-old Meenakshi, who is a two-time national champion, trains in Sonepat under former national coach Kuldeep Malik. She has competed in 50kg a number times but is now settled in 53kg. "It's really fun winning the trials. I am enjoying the moment," Meenkashi said, aware of her achievement. "I could play my game today. I would lose to big names in the past despite well-prepared but this time I didn't let it slip. I always had these doubts in mind about my own capabilities but I have overcome that mental block. She (Antim) also made mistakes and I cashed in on," said Meenakshi, the daughter of a farmer from Jind. The chirpy wrestler said how she spent the night before with positive affirmations.
"I did not want to waste this chase. Till mid-night I was imagining that I have won and won by technical superiority. I was telling myself that I have already won and I am going to Asian Championships," said Meenakshi, who has trained under a number of coaches in her career. "My family also supported and kept telling me that I have nothing to lose and all to gain. I have practised my moves so may times that by muscle memory my defence stayed strong, I did not gave her my leg. Every time she attacked my leg went back, away from her reach," she said, explaining the strategy and preparation. Kuldeep's son Ajay, who also trains Meenakshi said, "We were confident from the beginning. We had been planning for long. Before the stunning defeat, Antim had won both her bouts by technical superiority -- against Riya and Juli -- without conceding a single point and in quick time. Meenakshi had also won both her bouts by technical superiority -- against Gouri and Anjli, without losing a point. The Asian Championships are slated to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 6 to 11.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
