In a performance that underlines India’s growing might in women’s wrestling, three young Indian wrestlers Antim, Harshita, and Neelam delivered a stellar display at the Budapest Ranking Series.
By the end of the day, the Indian contingent stood out as the only nation to clinch two gold medals in women’s wrestling, with Antim and Harshita climbing the top of the podium, and Neelam adding a bronze to the medal haul.
For India, this was not just a day of medals; it was a day of statements of resilience, redemption, and readiness for bigger challenges like the World Championships later this year.
Antim’s road to gold: redemption and dominance
For 53kg wrestler Antim, this competition offered a chance to rewrite a painful memory from the past. At the Paris Olympics, Antim had suffered a crushing 0–10 loss to Turkey’s Zeynep Yetgil. In Budapest, she faced Yetgil again, but this time, the mat witnessed a different Antim: more composed, aggressive, and tactically sharp.
From the opening whistle, Antim dictated the pace. She never let Yetgil come close to scoring, and with a series of swift takedowns and technical moves, she closed out the match by technical superiority, 10–0. The victory was not just about points but about exorcising an old ghost and showing how quickly she had evolved since Paris.
In the semifinals, Antim met Felicity Taylor (USA), another strong opponent. But Antim’s relentless approach and quick scoring ensured another 10–0 win, placing her into the final against Natalia Malysheva (UWW).
The final proved to be Antim’s toughest test of the day. Malysheva, who had previously lost to Antim twice in Mongolia, was determined to change the script. But Antim, with her balanced strategy of aggressive attacks and smart defense, built an early lead.
After leading 3–0 from an activity clock and a takedown, Antim extended it to 5–2 with a slick go-behind move. A later ankle pick pushed the lead to 7–2. Although Malysheva managed a last-second takedown, Antim held firm to finish with a 7–4 victory, her second consecutive Ranking Series gold medal.
Harshita conquers 72kg: from underdog to champion
In the 72kg category, Harshita scripted an equally impressive journey to gold. Coming into the day, Harshita had to navigate a tricky five-wrestler round-robin pool, including facing seasoned opponents like former Asian champion Zhamila Bakbergenova (KAZ).
Harshita started her campaign against France’s Pauline Lecarpentier, winning by fall. A controversial moment followed when Lecarpentier pushed Harshita aggressively after the whistle, leading to Lecarpentier’s disqualification. Harshita, unfazed by the drama, kept her focus intact.
In her next match, Harshita again won by fall over Kseniia Burakova (UWW), demonstrating her confidence and control. A walkover win in Round 4 kept her unbeaten ahead of the final pool bout, effectively turning it into the gold medal decider against Bakbergenova.
Facing the experienced Kazakh, Harshita was considered the underdog. But from the outset, she wrestled without fear. After Bakbergenova went on the activity clock, Harshita scored a double-leg takedown to take a 3–0 lead. The turning point came in the second period: Bakbergenova attempted a chest-wrap throw, but Harshita smartly retained control, scoring four crucial points. Adding a roll and step-out, she secured a 10–0 technical superiority victory, stunning the Kazakh and sealing the gold.
This was not just a medal but a defining win over a decorated opponent, underscoring Harshita’s rise in international wrestling.
Bronze for Neelam at 50kg: fighting spirit on display
In the fiercely competitive 50kg bracket, India’s Neelam showcased grit and tenacity to secure a bronze medal. Her opening bout against Madison Parks (CAN) turned into a close contest, but Neelam held her nerve to edge it 10–8, scoring crucial takedowns at key moments.
In the bronze medal match, she faced Kseniya Stankevich (UWW). Neelam approached the bout tactically, maintaining a solid defense and counter-attacking when needed. Her patience paid off as she claimed a 6–3 win to finish on the podium.
Silver for Neha at 57kg: experience against a legend
Neha added another medal to India’s haul in the 57kg category. Her journey to the final included a hard-fought 8–4 victory over Roza Szenttamasi (HUN) in the semifinals.
The final, however, was always going to be a formidable challenge. Neha faced American legend and Olympic champion Helen Maroulis, returning to competition after a year-long break. Maroulis showed her class and experience, quickly pinning Neha in just 31 seconds. Despite the loss, Neha’s silver medal reflected her promise and potential to rise further.
A day that rewrites Indian wrestling’s narrative
India finished the day with:
- 🥇 Antim (53kg)
- 🥇 Harshita (72kg)
- 🥈 Neha (57kg)
- 🥉 Neelam (50kg)
Winning two golds in a single day at a major Ranking Series is unprecedented for Indian women’s wrestling. It signals not only the depth of talent but also the transformation happening in Indian wrestling rooms: better coaching, sharper strategies, and the belief that Indian wrestlers can beat the very best in the world.
Beyond the medals: stories of growth and redemption
Antim’s revenge over Yetgil speaks of evolution; Harshita’s triumph over a three-time world medallist shows courage; Neelam’s steady climb reflects resilience; and Neha’s presence in the final against an icon like Maroulis offers a glimpse into the future.
Together, they form a story larger than individual wins. It’s about young women refusing to be intimidated, ready to carry Indian wrestling into a new era.
The road ahead
These victories bring vital ranking points as the Indian team gears up for the World Championships
For Antim, Harshita, Neelam, and Neha, the Ranking Series was more than medals: it was proof they belong at the world stage.
In Budapest, India didn’t just win medals; they won respect, hope, and belief that the next chapter in Indian women’s wrestling might be its most glorious yet. 🇮🇳🤼♀️✨
Stay tuned as the journey continues!
