Antim Panghal suffers heartbreaking loss at Wrestling Worlds

Nineteen-year-old wrestler Antim Panghal faced a heart-wrenching defeat in the semi-final of the Wrestling World Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia. She was just seconds away from securing a spot in the final but was denied victory by Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Vanesa Kaladzinskaya.
Antim Panghal found herself in disbelief after her intense battle with Kaladzinskaya ended in a 5-4 loss. She had fought back from a 0-3 deficit in the last minute, taking a 4-3 lead just moments before the final whistle.

Crucial moment:

Antim seemed to relax for a brief moment after gaining control over Kaladzinskaya's back, thinking the match was over. However, the Belarusian competitor, who was competing as a neutral athlete, counter-attacked within that small window of opportunity. In a last-gasp effort, she scored two crucial points, causing Antim's shoulder to touch the mat in a heart-wrenching manner.

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Bronze opportunity and Olympics quota:

Although the chance for a place in the final slipped away, Antim still has an opportunity to compete for the bronze medal and an Olympics quota on Thursday. From the Wrestling World Championships, five wrestlers from each weight category qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Competing in the 53kg weight category, Antim showcased her prowess on the big stage. She began her campaign with a remarkable victory over reigning world champion Dominique Parrish of the USA, coming from behind to secure the win.

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Antim's journey included impressive wins against opponents from Poland and Russia. Her semi-final bout against Kaladzinskaya was closely contested, with Antim displaying remarkable resilience and determination.

The path forward:

Despite the heartbreak in the semi-finals, Antim Panghal still has a chance to make her mark with a bronze medal and potentially secure her place in the Paris Olympics. Her journey in the Wrestling World Championships has already demonstrated her skill and potential at the international level.