Asian Games 2026: Antim Panghal and Sumit Dalal among seven IIS wrestlers representing India in Aichi-Nagoya
Seven athletes from the Inspire Institute of Sport, including Antim Panghal and Sumit Dalal, are representing India in wrestling at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on October 1, 2026. The contingent spans women’s wrestling, freestyle and Greco-Roman as competition continues in Aichi-Nagoya.
The squad mixes experienced campaigners and first-time Asian Games athletes after months of camps and competition-focused preparation. The women’s group trained with a Japanese coach, while several Greco-Roman wrestlers completed a training stint in Uzbekistan. Antim Panghal returns to the Games with experience from Hangzhou 2022, and Manisha Bhanwala makes her Asian Games debut after moving down from 62kg to 57kg and working on wrestling from both stances. “The camp has gone really well. Everyone is training with one mindset: to win a medal for the country. The Asian Games come only once in four years, so we cannot waste this chance. IIS has been with me since 2022, and their support with physiotherapy, equipment, and everything else has helped me arrive here ready,” said Antim.
In the men’s line-up, Sagar Jaglan is carrying India’s freestyle challenge at 74kg while the Greco-Roman entries include six-time Asian champion Sunil Kumar at 87kg. Sunil lost his semifinal but recovered to win the bronze-medal contest, defeating Philippines' Callum Roberts 9-0 to defend his bronze in the men's 87kg Greco-Roman category. Ahead of the tournament Sunil said, “The Uzbekistan camp pushed all of us to get better, and after my knee surgery, IIS supported me so well through rehab that my body felt stronger when I came back. I just want the blessings of the people back home, and one thought stays in my head: I have to win a medal.”
Sumit Dalal competes at 60kg after returning from a serious accident in 2024 and holds the distinction of being a two-time Asian U23 champion. Reflecting on his path to the Games, Sumit said, “I have waited four years for this chance. Last time, I missed the selection by just one point, and that feeling stayed with me for a long time. Since I was a child, my coach has kept the dream of the Asian Games and the Olympics in front of me. “Back then it felt very big, but I never let go of it. Now the Asian Games are here, and I want to make the most of it. When I win my medal, the first call I make will be to my mother,” said Sumit.
The Greco-Roman roster also features Aman Baroniya, 20, who will make his Asian Games debut at 77kg after nearly two years of injuries and rehabilitation, and Nitesh Siwach, 23, who is competing at 97kg following consecutive Asian Championships medals — bronze in 2025 and silver in 2026. The preparation programme emphasised technique and sharpness across the group, supported by national camps and institution-level services.
The Inspire Institute of Sport contingent continues its campaign in wrestling, with Sunil Kumar having secured bronze in the men’s 87kg and the remaining IIS athletes preparing to take their turns on the mat.