Published 23:31 IST, September 23rd 2019
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat sees 'Japan as her biggest challenge'
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat who recently secured a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics said that Japan is her biggest challenge and defeating Japan will be difficult
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat who recently secured a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics said that Japan is her biggest challenge. “I think everyone is strong in the 53 weight category and Japan is definitely the power-house and beating them in their own country will be the biggest challenge.”
Vinesh Phogat on changing her weight category
The 25-year-old wrestler became the first Indian to qualify for the 2020 Olympics after she hammered the world silver medalist 8-2. She also said that “ Recently, I changed my weight category. It became a bit tough. I did not know whether I will succeed or not, but one thing I know is that I will give my 100 per cent. That is what I did. Now I have got qualified. It was a relief at that time,” she was speaking to reporters at an event in Delhi.
Vinesh Phogat earns a spot at the Tokyo Olympics
Vinesh Phogat defeated Greece’s Maria Prevolaraki for a bronze at the World Wrestling Championship. The wrestler said that she is extremely happy to bring a medal home and a spot at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I am happy and relieved that I am going to Tokyo but it’s not over yet. I have a medal bout and I don’t want to miss that,” Vinesh had said to the media before her match with Maria Prevolaraki.
Deepak Punia bags a spot at the Tokyo Olympics
Indian wrestler Deepak Punia also bagged a spot at 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he defeated Colombia’s Carlos Mendez in the 86kg World Wrestling Championships quarterfinal on Saturday. Seema Bisla, however, missed Olympic qualification in 50kg after losing her second repechage round 3-11 to Russia’s Ekaterina Poleshchuk. Rahul Aware also beat former Asian champion Kayliyev of Kazakhstan in the semis in a thrilling 10-7 encounter to reach the last four of the 61kg category.
(With inputs from ANI)
Updated 23:42 IST, September 23rd 2019