Meenakshi Goyat Advances to Final at Asian Wrestling Championships

Meenakshi Goyat's Remarkable Comeback

In a thrilling match at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, two-time national champion Meenakshi Goyat staged a remarkable comeback to defeat South Korea's Seoyoung Park in the women's 53kg category. Despite trailing 0-2 with just 30 seconds remaining, the 25-year-old executed a stunning four-point throw, securing her place in the final. Meenakshi will now compete against China's Jin Zhang, who advanced by defeating Japan's Moe Kiyooka.

Additionally, Hansika Lamba contributed to India's medal tally by clinching a bronze in the women's 55kg category. After a cautious start against Kyrgyzstan's Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy, the 19-year-old Indian wrestler scored a takedown early in the second round and maintained control to win 6-1. Neha also added to the medal count with a decisive 10-4 victory over Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the women's 59kg bronze medal match.

Looking ahead, Harshita (72kg) and Monika (65kg) are set to compete for bronze medals on Friday. Harshita lost her semi-final match against Japan's Mahiro Yoshitake, the 2024 Asian Championships gold medallist, and will face Uzbekistan's Sevinchoy Polvonova. Monika, who was defeated by eventual finalist Nana Ikehata of Japan, will take on South Korea's Hanbit Lee in her bronze medal bout. Furthermore, Minakshi (57kg) and Mansi (62kg) will have opportunities to secure medals in the Repechage round after their respective losses.