Antim Panghal Leads India's Women's Wrestling Challenge at Budapest Ranking Series
India will field a strong 15-member women's wrestling squad at the United World Wrestling (UWW) Budapest Ranking Series, the final Ranking Series event of the 2026 season, as several of the country's top wrestlers prepare for the World Championships and the 2026 Asian Games.
Scheduled from July 15 to 19 in Budapest, Hungary, the tournament has attracted many of the world's leading wrestlers, making it one of the strongest competitions before the World Championships in Astana. For India, the event offers valuable ranking points, elite international competition and an opportunity to assess its wrestlers against some of the biggest medal contenders. The Indian contingent will be led by former World Championship bronze medallist Antim Panghal, who returns to international competition after missing the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series earlier this month.
Much of the spotlight in Budapest will be on the women's 53kg division, which has suddenly become one of the most competitive weight categories in world wrestling. The weight class will crown a new world champion later this year after defending champion Haruna Maruyama of Japan failed to qualify through her country's domestic trials, while Olympic champion Akari Fujinami has moved up to 57kg.
That leaves the race for the world title wide open, with Budapest providing an early indication of who could emerge as the leading contenders.
For India, all eyes will be on Antim Panghal.
The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist returns after a short competitive break and enters a challenging field that includes reigning Asian champion Jin Zhang of China, European champion Andreea Ana of Romania, former European champion Jonna Malmgren of Sweden and American wrestler Cristelle Rodriguez. Antim has previously defeated both Zhang and Malmgren, giving her confidence ahead of another crucial international outing.
India will also have Nishu competing in the same weight category, providing additional depth in one of the tournament's strongest divisions.
India's women's squad combines experienced international campaigners with several exciting young wrestlers who have enjoyed impressive performances in recent months. At 57kg, age-group World Championship medallist Neha Sharma and reigning U20 world champion Tapasya will test themselves against an elite international field. The category features Asian champion Kexin Hong of China, former Asian champion Mengyu Xie, European silver medallist Elvira Suleyman Kamaloglu of Türkiye and several other established names.
For both Indian wrestlers, Budapest presents an excellent opportunity to measure their progress against world-class opposition.
Nisha Dahiya Faces Tough 68kg Competition
Another wrestler expected to attract attention is Nisha Dahiya, who will represent India in the 68kg category. The weight class features Olympic silver medallist Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan, former world champion Jia Long of China, world silver medallist Nesrin Bas of Türkiye and several European medallists. Nisha, who has consistently performed well internationally over the last few years, will be looking to build momentum before the World Championships while improving her international ranking.
A strong performance against such an accomplished field would significantly boost her confidence heading into the remainder of the season.
India's challenge extends beyond the lighter weight divisions. In the 72kg category, Diksha Malik enters the competition after an encouraging silver medal at the Zagreb Open earlier this season. However, her path to the podium will not be straightforward.
Former world silver medallist Zhamila Bakbergenova of Kazakhstan, European silver medallist Wiktoria Choluj of Poland and Asian U23 champion Kaiyrkul Sharshebaeva of Kyrgyzstan headline a highly competitive draw. With only three medals available, every bout is expected to carry enormous significance.
Meanwhile, India's hopes in the 76kg category rest with Kajal Dhochak and Priya, who face an experienced field led by world silver medallist Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan and American star Dymond Guilford.
Kajal enters Budapest with confidence after winning gold at the recent Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series, making her one of India's strongest medal prospects.
India travels to Budapest on the back of a productive outing at the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series. Kajal Dhochak, Neha Sangwan and Manisha Bhanwala all secured gold medals in Mongolia, highlighting the steady progress of Indian women's wrestling ahead of an important international season. Those performances have strengthened confidence within the squad, with several wrestlers now aiming to carry that momentum into Budapest.
The Ranking Series also provides valuable preparation under the latest competition rules before the World Championships.
Strong Squad Across Weight Categories
India's women's team for Budapest includes:
50kg: Dipanshi, Priyanshi Prajapat
53kg: Antim Panghal, Nishu
55kg: Hansika Lamba
57kg: Neha Sharma, Tapasya
59kg: Neha Sangwan
62kg: Mansi Ahlawat, Savita
65kg: Pulkit
68kg: Nisha Dahiya
72kg: Diksha Malik
76kg: Kajal Dhochak, Priya
The squad reflects India's growing depth across multiple weight categories, with several wrestlers already earning selection for the Asian Games.
As the final Ranking Series event before the World Championships, Budapest offers more than medals and ranking points. The tournament will provide wrestlers with a realistic assessment of where they stand against the world's best while allowing coaches to evaluate form and make tactical adjustments ahead of Astana. For Antim Panghal, the event marks an important return to international competition in one of wrestling's most competitive divisions.
For rising stars like Tapasya, Neha Sharma and Kajal Dhochak, it represents another opportunity to establish themselves among the sport's elite. With several Indian wrestlers arriving in strong form and confidence high following recent international success, Budapest promises to be an important test as India continues its preparations for a busy season featuring both the World Championships and the Asian Games.
India's Schedule (IST)
July 16 (Thursday)
Women's Wrestling: 50kg & 55kg – Qualification rounds, semi-finals, repechage and finals (from 2:00 PM)
July 17 (Friday)
Women's Wrestling: 59kg, 62kg, 65kg & 68kg – Qualification rounds, semi-finals, repechage and finals (from 2:00 PM)
July 18 (Saturday)
Women's Wrestling: 53kg, 57kg, 72kg & 76kg – Qualification rounds, semi-finals, repechage and finals (from 2:00 PM)
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