Nishu wins 53kg trials, faces Antim Panghal for World Championships spot
Synopsis
Nishu's trial win in the 53kg category at the WFI Women's Selection Trials has set up one of Indian wrestling's most anticipated showdowns — a head-to-head final against Asian Games pick Antim Panghal, with a Senior World Championships berth in Astana on the line. The outcome will determine who carries India's hopes into the global arena in late October.
Key Takeaways
Nishu won the 53kg category at the WFI Women's Selection Trials held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi on 14 September 2026 .
She will now face Antim Panghal — already selected for the Asian Games — in a final trial; the winner earns India's berth at the Senior World Wrestling Championships .
The World Championships are scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan , from 24 October to 1 November .
Two-time U20 World Champion Kajal topped the 76kg category; Simran , Neelam , Tapsya , and Srishti won the 57kg , 50kg , 62kg , and 68kg categories respectively.
WFI President Sanjay Singh praised the competitive depth on display across weight categories.
Wrestler Nishu claimed victory in the 53kg category at the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Women's Selection Trials on Monday, 14 September 2026, setting up a high-stakes final contest against Asian Games representative Antim Panghal for India's berth at the Senior World Wrestling Championships. The trials were conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, where Nishu overcame a competitive field to defeat Thishka in the 53kg final.
What the WFI Selection Policy Means
Under the WFI's selection framework, winners of Monday's trials earn the right to challenge wrestlers already selected for the Asian Games in a decisive final trial. The winner of that head-to-head bout secures India's place in the respective weight category at the Senior World Championships, scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 24 October to 1 November. The exact date of the final trial between Nishu and Antim Panghal is yet to be confirmed.
Other Category Winners from Monday's Trials
Beyond the spotlight 53kg clash-in-waiting, several wrestlers delivered strong showings across weight divisions. Two-time U20 World Champion Kajal dominated the 76kg category, defeating Siksha in the final, while Simran secured the 57kg title by edging past Swati Shinde. Neelam claimed the 50kg top spot after overcoming Ankush, Tapsya won the 62kg category by defeating Anjali, and Srishti topped the 68kg division after prevailing over Bipasha.
WFI President Praises Competitive Standard
WFI President Sanjay Singh praised the quality of competition on display. 'The quality and intensity of the bouts today were encouraging. The wrestlers fought with tremendous determination and showed that there is considerable depth across the weight categories. I congratulate all the winners and look forward to seeing them compete for India on the international stage,' Singh said.
Trials in Non-Olympic Categories and What Comes Next
Trials in four non-Olympic weight categories are also scheduled to be held separately at a later date. The full results from Monday's trials are as follows: 50kg — Neelam (1st), Ankush (2nd); 53kg — Nishu (1st), Thishka (2nd); 57kg — Simran (1st), Swati Shinde (2nd); 62kg — Tapsya (1st), Anjali (2nd); 68kg — Srishti (1st), Bipasha (2nd); 76kg — Kajal (1st), Siksha (2nd). With the Astana World Championships approaching at the end of October, the spotlight now shifts firmly to the pending final trial in the 53kg category.
Point of View
High-stakes, and transparent in its selection logic. Yet the WFI's reliance on a dual-stage trial system, where Asian Games selection and World Championships selection run on separate tracks, can create uncertainty for athletes who must peak twice in quick succession. Antim, a proven Asian-level performer, enters as the clear favourite, but Nishu's dominant run through Monday's trials signals that the 53kg category has genuine depth. How the federation handles the scheduling of that final trial — and communicates it publicly — will be as telling as the bout itself.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nishu and what did she win at the WFI trials?
Nishu won the 53kg category at the WFI Women's Selection Trials held on 14 September 2026 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, defeating Thishka in the final. Her victory earns her the right to face Antim Panghal in a final trial for India's Senior World Wrestling Championships berth.
What is the WFI's selection process for the World Championships?
Under WFI's selection policy, winners of the national selection trials challenge wrestlers already chosen for the Asian Games in a decisive final trial. The winner of that bout secures India's place in their weight category at the Senior World Championships.
When and where are the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships?
The Senior World Wrestling Championships are scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
Who else won at the WFI Women's Selection Trials on 14 September?
Two-time U20 World Champion Kajal topped the 76kg category, Simran won 57kg, Neelam claimed 50kg, Tapsya won 62kg, and Srishti won the 68kg division. Trials in four non-Olympic weight categories are yet to be held separately.
When will the final trial between Nishu and Antim Panghal take place?
The exact date of the final trial between Nishu and Antim Panghal has not yet been announced by the WFI. It is expected to be conducted ahead of the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Astana, which begin on 24 October 2026.
