Antim Panghal Paris Olympics 2024: Indian Wrestler Faces 0-10 Defeat Against Turkish Opponent Yetgil Zeynep

The excitement around Antim Panghal at the Paris Olympics 2024 took a sharp turn when she was defeated 0-10 by Turkish wrestler Yetgil Zeynep in the women’s 53 kg category. Fans and experts had high hopes for Panghal, making this outcome a major disappointment.

Panghal, who secured an Olympic quota in the 53 kg category—a weight class previously held by Vinesh Phogat—was dominated in just 101 seconds of the first round. Her swift defeat has broader implications for Indian wrestling, not just for her but for the entire team.

The ripple effects of Panghal’s performance were felt even before this match. Vinesh Phogat, known for her remarkable victories and historic performance in the wrestling world, had to drop to the 50 kg category partly due to Panghal's entry into the 53 kg class. Phogat’s journey at the Olympics was cut short when she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight just before her gold medal bout. This disqualification meant Phogat wouldn’t be able to secure a podium finish, as wrestling rules rank disqualified wrestlers at the bottom.

In a twist of fate, Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Phogat in the semi-final, took Phogat’s place in the final. This added an extra layer of drama to the competition.

Back to Panghal's match: Yetgil Zeynep was in control from start to finish. Her victory was clear-cut, earning her a “Technical Superiority” win with a 10-point lead. Zeynep’s strategy included an early pin, followed by additional points through impressive moves like a double flip. The referee ended the bout with Zeynep in a commanding lead, leaving Panghal visibly upset.

Despite this setback, Panghal's story isn’t over. If Zeynep makes it to the final, Panghal will have a chance to compete in the repechage round for a shot at a bronze medal.

The journey of Antim Panghal at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a reminder of the highs and lows of competitive sports. As the Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Panghal and her fellow wrestlers, hoping for a comeback and a chance to shine on the world stage.