Meenakshi Goyat Advances to Final at Asian Wrestling Championships

Meenakshi Goyat's Remarkable Comeback

In an impressive display of skill, two-time national champion Meenakshi Goyat overcame a challenging match against South Korea's Seoyoung Park to secure her place in the final of the women's 53kg category at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday.

Initially trailing 0-2 with just 30 seconds remaining, the 25-year-old athlete executed a stunning four-point throw, managing to defend her position effectively to clinch victory. This win follows her earlier success in qualifying for the Indian team by defeating two-time world bronze medalist Antim Panghal.

Goyat is set to compete against China's Jin Zhang, who earned her spot in the final by defeating Japan's Moe Kiyooka.

Hansika Lamba and Neha Contribute to India's Medal Count

Following Goyat's success, Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha (59kg) also added bronze medals to India's tally, complementing the men's Greco-Roman wrestlers who secured two silver and three bronze medals in the initial days of the competition.

In the women's 55kg bronze medal match, Lamba displayed caution in the first round against Kyrgyzstan's Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy. However, she quickly gained momentum, scoring a takedown within the first minute of the second round and ultimately winning the bout 6-1.

Neha followed suit, achieving a decisive 10-4 victory over Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the women's 59kg bronze medal playoff, bringing India's medal count to seven.

Upcoming Matches for Indian Wrestlers

Looking ahead, Harshita (72kg) and Monika (65kg) are poised to compete for bronze medals on Friday.

Harshita faced a tough semi-final against Japan's Mahiro Yoshitake, the 2024 Asian Championships gold medalist, losing 2-7. She will now battle Sevinchoy Polvonova from Uzbekistan for the bronze.

Monika, who lost to the eventual finalist Nana Ikehata of Japan in the quarter-finals, will take on Hanbit Lee of South Korea, a losing semi-finalist, in her bronze medal match.

Additionally, Minakshi (57kg) and Mansi (62kg) have the opportunity to secure medals as they advance to the Repechage round after their respective losses in the finals of their weight categories. Minakshi will compete against Kyrgyzstan's Tancholpon Kybalbekova, while Mansi faces Mongolia's Tserenchimed Sukhee on Friday.