Named 'Antim' With Hope She'd Be The Last Daughter, She's Now Representing India At Olympics

Antim Panghal, born in 2004 in Bhagana village, Hisar district, Haryana, is a remarkable Indian wrestler who was considered an unwanted girl child in her family, she is now a national sensation. Her parents, Ramniwas Panghal and Krishna Kumari, named her Antim with the hope that she would be their last daughter, praying for a son to follow. This sentiment reflected the cultural mindset of Haryana in the early 2000s, where girls were often seen as burdens.

Who Is Antim Panghal?

Two years after Antim’s birth, her parents welcomed a son, believing their family was now complete. Despite the initial gender bias, Antim’s journey in wrestling began, influenced by her elder sister Sarita, a kabaddi coach. Her family’s support became unwavering as they recognized her potential. Antim trained tirelessly at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, aiming for greatness in women’s wrestling.

Antim Panghal’s wrestling career took off when she became India’s first-ever U-20 world wrestling champion, a title she retained the following year. In 2023, she won a silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship, further establishing herself on the international stage. Her other honours include the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2023, and she is a two-time junior world champion (2022, 2023) and an Asian Games bronze medallist in 2023.

The Road to the Olympics

Antim’s dedication and hard work have led her to represent India in the 53kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her training regime is rigorous, supported by her family and a dedicated team. Her eldest sister Sarita motivates her with constant encouragement, while her other sisters, Nisha and Meenu, ensure she maintains her nutrition and training schedule. 

Antim’s journey has not been without challenges. She narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, losing to the renowned Vinesh Phogat. However, this setback only fueled her determination. Vinesh, recognizing Antim’s greatness, shifted to a lower weight category, allowing Antim to secure her place in the 53kg category for Paris.

A Symbol of Change

Antim’s success story is a testament to the changing attitudes in Haryana. From a state known for its skewed sex ratio, Haryana is now celebrating its daughters. Her father, Ramniwas, acknowledges this shift, noting that Antim’s achievements have brought pride to their family and community. 

Facing the World’s Best

In Paris, Antim will compete against well-known opponents, including Akari Fujinami, the undefeated Japanese wrestler. Despite past defeats, Antim remains undeterred. Her coach, Bhagat Singh, praises her fearless attitude and ability to learn from her losses, believing these traits will be her advantage.

As she prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Antim embodies the spirit of resilience and hope, not just for herself but for countless girls who dare to dream big.