Key Takeaways
- Antim Panghal vows to savor jalebi only after winning Olympic gold in Los Angeles 2028.
- She targets gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, building on her 2023 bronze.
- Training in Japan and guidance from Olympic medalist Kosei Akaishi are sharpening her attacking style for international competition.
Jalebi Promise
Antim Panghal, the 22‑year‑old 53‑kg wrestler from Haryana, has made a sweet pact with herself: she will not indulge in the beloved Indian sweet jalebi until after the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. “I have not had it for three years now. I will eat it in 2028 after LA28,” she told a recent interview. The vow underscores the disciplined mindset that has propelled her to the top of Indian wrestling.
Asian Games Aspirations
Her immediate goal lies in Aichi‑Nagoya, where the 2026 Asian Games will test her against the continent’s best. Competing in the 53‑kg category, Panghal aims to lift a gold medal and surpass the bronze she secured in Hangzhou in 2023. “I will give my 100 percent. Last time, I was a junior. But this time, I have to compete as a senior,” she emphasized.
She earned her place in the Indian squad by defeating Meenakshi Goyat in a decisive selection bout in New Delhi. Goyat herself had earlier stunned Vinesh Phogat in the semi‑final, making Panghal’s victory all the more significant.
World Championship Pre‑Race
Before the Games, the World Championships in October 2026 serve as a critical barometer for her Olympic qualification campaign. The event will determine the form she needs to carry into the 2027 Olympic qualification cycle. “I have to qualify for the Olympics next year. I have to give my best in the World Championships,” she said.
Road to Olympic Qualification
Panghal’s pathway to the 2028 Games is clear: perform at the Asian Games, secure a spot through the World Championships, and then push for a medal in Los Angeles. Chief women’s wrestling coach Virender Dahiya believes she has the potential to achieve both gold in Japan and Olympic glory.
- Japan – home of the sport’s strongest wrestlers and the venue for the upcoming Asian Games.
- China – a traditional powerhouse that will pose significant challenges.
- North Korea – known for its disciplined and technical wrestlers.
Training and Support
Last year, Panghal spent several months training at Nippon University in Japan, acclimating to local techniques and styles. Her coaching team in India now includes Japanese veteran Kosei Akaishi, a two‑time Olympic medalist who specializes in attacking play. Together, they are refining her offense and counter‑attacks to give her an edge on the mat.
The national camp in New Delhi has become a hub for her intensive preparation. “I work on my attacks and counters every day,” she said. The camp also hosts a full roster of wrestlers, providing a competitive environment that mimics international conditions.
Family Background
Panghal’s rise began in 2017, when her elder sister, a kabaddi player, encouraged her to try wrestling in their village of Bhagana in Haryana’s Hisar district. She quickly moved through local dangals and was soon earmarked as one of India’s brightest talents. Her father, Ram Niwas Panghal, made personal sacrifices to support her dream, renting a house within a 20‑km radius of her training facility so she could commute early each morning.
“She wakes up at 4 am. She practices twice a day, and she has never once complained,” his voice reflects in an interview. This discipline has become a hallmark of Panghal’s training regimen.
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Coaching and Technique
With the guidance of coach Kosei Akaishi, Panghal is honing a dynamic attacking style that contrasts with her traditionally solid defensive base. Akaishi’s experience as an Olympic medalist brings a tactical edge that is particularly valuable as she faces seasoned opponents from Japan, China, and North Korea.
In addition to physical training, mental resilience is being nurtured. Coaches stress the importance of focus, strategic planning, and the ability to adapt in the heat of competition – skills that have helped her secure back‑to‑back U20 World Championship titles in 2022 and 2023, and senior bronze medals in the World Championships in 2023 and 2025.
Future Outlook
Panghal’s roadmap is ambitious but clear: secure a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and ultimately win a medal on the world’s biggest stage. While her jalebi pledge may seem whimsical, it serves as a tangible reminder of her long‑term goals and the sacrifices required to achieve them.
For now, the focus remains on the mat – every training session, every match, every point earned moves her one step closer to the Olympic dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Antim Panghal avoiding jalebi for three years?
She made a personal pledge to herself that she would not eat her favorite sweet until after she had achieved her ultimate goal of winning an Olympic medal in Los Angeles 2028. It is a symbolic reminder of the discipline and focus required for her sport.
How is she preparing for the Asian Games and Olympics?
Panghal is training intensively at the national camp in New Delhi and has spent a month at Nippon University in Japan to acclimatise to international styles. She works on attacks, counters, and mental resilience under the guidance of coaches including Japanese Olympic medalist Kosei Akaishi.
What role does her family play in her wrestling career?
Her father, Ram Niwas Panghal, has made significant sacrifices, such as renting a house within 20 km of her training ground to ease daily commutes. The family’s support has been crucial to her consistent practice routine, starting from her early days in the village of Bhagana.
