Indias star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was at the forefront of the protests against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, secured an Olympic quota in the womens 50kg category.
This is Indias second berth for the Paris Games, with Antim Panghal earning a quota in the 53 kg category through her bronze medal-winning performance at the World Championships last year.
The Commonwealth and Asian Games champion dominated Kazakhstans Laura Ganikyzy with a score of 10-0 in the semifinals of the Asian Olympic qualifiers.
She achieved victory in just 4:18 minutes through her superior technical skills against her Kazakh counterpart.
News Flash: Vinesh Phogat gets Quota ?
Vinesh beats Kazakh grappler 10-0 in Semis of Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers at Bishkek to secure Quota place for India in 50kg category #WrestleBishkek pic.twitter.com/dSmV4VR85U
India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) April 20, 2024
Her next challenge awaits in the form of Aktenge Keunimjaeva from Uzbekistan, who secured a 4-2 victory over Meng Hsuan Hsieh of Chinese Taipei.
After nearly two years of absence from competition, during which she protested against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Saran Singh, Vinesh Phogat returned to the arena.
She contested in trials across two weight categories and emerged triumphant in the 50 kg category trial, earning her spot in the Asian Olympics qualifications.
Vinesh exhibited her prowess in the wrestling ring with an impeccable display during her initial bout, where she dominated South Koreas Cheon Miran with a commanding 10-0 triumph in the round of 16.
In the quarter-final match against Cambodias Dit Samnang, she swiftly secured another victory, triumphing by fall (VFA) in less than a minute.
Its noteworthy that Vinesh competed in the 50kg category, deviating from her usual preference of 53kg. Nevertheless, her exceptional skill was evident throughout.
