Big success for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, achieved Olympic quota

New Delhi: India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured Olympic quota for the country in the women’s 50 kg weight category. Vinesh achieved this feat by defeating Laura Ganikyaji of Kazakhstan in the semi-finals of the Asian Olympic Qualifier being held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Vinesh defeated Ganikyaji 10-0 in the semi-finals of 50 kg weight category. The wrestlers who reach the finals of this tournament will get the quota for Paris Olympics 2024 for their country.

In her opening match in this tournament, Vinesh defeated Korean rival Miran Cheon in a match that lasted one minute 39 seconds. The opponent had no answer to his strong grip. In the next match, she defeated Smanang Dit of Cambodia in 67 seconds and made it to the semi-finals. Now he achieved great success by winning in the semi-finals.

Apart from 50, Vinesh also participated in 53 kg weight category during the selection trials held in Patiala recently. She lost in the semi-finals of 53 kg weight category. But due to victory in 50 kg weight category, Vinesh got entry for the Asian Olympic Qualifier. He had defeated Shivani in the final of 50 kg weight category.

On the other hand, Anshu Malik has also secured quota for India in the women’s 57 kg weight category. Anshu defeated the Uzbekistan wrestler 10-0 in the semi-finals of the Asian Olympic Qualifier. However, Mansi had to face defeat in the semi-finals of 62 kg weight category and she missed out on achieving the quota.

Vinesh Phogat is among the three top wrestlers of the country who led the protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accusing him of sexual harassment of women wrestlers. Delhi Police registered a case against Brij Bhushan but he got bail from the local court in July.

29-year-old Vinesh Phogat won bronze medal in 53 kg during the 2019 and 2022 World Championships and gold medal in 50 kg in the Asian Games (2018). This year the Paris Olympics will last for 17 days. These games are to be held from 26th July to 11th August.