Asian Wrestling Championships: Meenakshi Reaches 53kg Final; Hansika and Neha Win Bronze Medals
Synopsis
In an electrifying display at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships, two-time national champion Meenakshi Goyat defied odds to reach the finals in the 53kg category, while Hansika Lamba and Neha each secured bronze medals for India. The event is showcasing India's wrestling talent on an international stage.
Key Takeaways
Meenakshi Goyat reaches the 53kg final after defeating Seoyoung Park.
Hansika Lamba and Neha secure bronze medals in their respective categories.
The championships are being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan .
Indian wrestlers continue to perform strongly, adding to the medal tally.
Upcoming matches for other wrestlers could lead to more medals.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Two-time national champion Meenakshi Goyat made an impressive comeback, overcoming South Korea's Seoyoung Park to reach the final in the women's 53kg category at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday. Meanwhile, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) proudly brought home bronze medals for India.
Meenakshi secured her spot in the Indian team by defeating Antim Panghal, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist. During her semifinal match, she found herself trailing 0-2 until the last 30 seconds. The 25-year-old athlete turned the tide with a remarkable four-point throw, successfully holding on to her lead to earn a place in the final.
In the final match, she will face Jin Zhang of China, who advanced by defeating Japan's Moe Kiyooka.
Later on, both Hansika Lamba and Neha contributed to India's medal tally, following a robust performance by the men’s Greco-Roman wrestlers who had already secured two silver and three bronze medals within the first three days of competition.
In the women’s 55kg bronze medal match, Hansika displayed patience against Kyrgyzstan’s Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy before taking command in the second round. The 19-year-old executed a successful leg attack, achieving a takedown and ultimately winning the bout with a score of 6-1.
Neha claimed the seventh medal for India in the competition, decisively defeating Mongolia’s Bolortuya Khurelkhuu with a 10-4 score in the women's 59kg bronze medal playoff.
Additionally, Harshita (72kg) and Monika (65kg) are set to compete for bronze medals on Friday. Harshita suffered a semifinal loss with a score of 2-7 against Japan's Mahiro Yoshitake, the gold medallist from the 2024 Asian Championships, and will now face Uzbekistan’s Sevinchoy Polvonova in the bronze match.
Monika faced a quarterfinal defeat against Japan's eventual finalist Nana Ikehata and is scheduled to take on South Korea’s Hanbit Lee in the bronze medal bout.
Minakshi (57kg) and Mansi (62kg) are also still in contention after advancing to the repechage rounds, following losses to finalists in their respective categories. Minakshi will compete against Kyrgyzstan’s Tancholpon Kybalbekova, while Mansi will face Mongolia’s Tserenchimed Sukhee on Friday.
Point of View
It's vital to highlight the exemplary achievements of our athletes on an international platform. India’s wrestling community continues to make strides, showcasing resilience and skill amid tough competition. The performances of Meenakshi, Hansika, and Neha not only reflect individual dedication but also the growing strength of Indian wrestling.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight class did Meenakshi compete in?
Meenakshi competed in the women's 53kg weight class.
Who did Meenakshi defeat to reach the finals?
Meenakshi defeated Seoyoung Park from South Korea to enter the finals.
Which medals did Hansika and Neha win?
Hansika and Neha secured bronze medals in the women's 55kg and 59kg categories, respectively.
Where is the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships being held?
The championships are taking place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
What other Indian wrestlers are still in contention for medals?
Harshita and Monika are competing for bronze medals, while Minakshi and Mansi are in the repechage rounds.
