“I want to make sure that a bigger function takes place for me in my village. I want to win a bigger medal,” says wrestler Antim Panghal, referring to the welcome she received in her village — the nondescript Bhagana, situated about 20km from Hisar in Haryana — on her return as India’s first female World under-20 champion.
The junior crown (53kg) has limited appeal for Antim, who celebrated her 18th birthday on August 31. Her unquenchable thirst for excellence has driven her to the top in quick time. If she continues to progress at a similar rate, an even brighter future awaits her.
