Another weight goof-up shocks India, Wrestler Antim Panghal forced to starve for two days to meet weight requirements - Reports

The Indian wrestling community is grappling with a troubling issue of meeting weight requirements. After Vinesh Phogat’s incident, reports surfaced that wrestler Antim Panghal was forced to starve herself for two days to meet the weight requirements for her category at the Paris Olympics.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the management and preparation of athletes, with the spotlight now on the Indian Wrestling Federation to address these critical issues. Antim Panghal, who had been considered a promising contender for India in the 53kg weight class, saw her Olympic dreams come to a devastating end after a swift defeat in the Round of 16.

Panghal faced Turkey’s Zeynep Yetgil, and the match concluded within a mere 90 seconds with a 10-0 loss. The young wrestler once hailed as a rising star, appeared to struggle significantly, failing to keep up with her opponent's intensity and skill.

According to a report by Revsportz, the extreme weight management measures Panghal undertook likely played a significant role in her lacklustre performance. It was alleged that Panghal had to starve herself for two days to meet the weight requirements for the competition. This drastic action is believed to have left her with insufficient energy, severely impacting her ability to compete at her best.

Can Antim Panghal win a bronze medal?

Antim Panghal, who was seeded fourth in the competition, began the bout cautiously. However, Yetgil quickly took control with an aggressive approach. The Turkish wrestler scored two points with a takedown and rapidly extended her lead to 4-0 within the first minute.

The match concluded devastatingly for Panghal, with Yetgil scoring six additional points to end the bout 10-0, showcasing technical superiority. To add to the disappointment, there was no chance for Panghal to compete in the repechage round for a potential bronze medal.

Her opponent, Yetgil, was pinned in the next round by Germany’s Annika Wendle, thereby eliminating any further opportunities for Panghal in the tournament. The Indian wrestling team had high expectations from Panghal, who was seen as a strong medal contender. With Panghal out of the picture, India's hopes for a wrestling medal now rest on the performances of Anshu Malik, Aman Sehrawat, and Reetika Hooda.