Commonwealth and Asian Games champion Vinesh Phogat earned an Olympic quota in the women’s 50kg category by defeating Kazakhstan’s Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 in the semi-finals at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. Now, she will face Uzbekistan’s Aktenge Keunimjaeva, who defeated Chinese Taipei’s Meng Hsuan Hsieh 4-2.
Vinesh had been out of the game for a long time. She had been protesting against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for almost two years. She participated in two weight category trials and won the 50 kg trials to qualify for the Asian Olympic Qualification.
Vinesh Gave Her Strength
Vinesh performed brilliantly in her first match and showed her wrestling skills. She defeated Cheon Miran of South Korea 10-0 in the round of 16. She achieved another victory in her quarterfinal match against Cambodia’s Dit Samnang. Notably, Vinesh competed in the 50 kg category, which differed from her usual choice of 53 kg.
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
Match Played In Two KG Weight Category
Although she had previously won two bronze medals at the World Championships in the 53kg category, her bronze wins at the 2023 World Championships, and Panghal’s pre-qualification for the final in the 50kg category allowed Vinesh to participate in both categories during the national trials on March 11. She was inspired. While she faced defeat against Railways’ Anju in the 53kg category, Vinesh emerged the winner in the 50kg category by defeating Shivani by a score of 11-6.
