Vinesh Phogat defeated Kazakhstan’s Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 in the women’s 50kg semifinals at the Asian Olympic qualification on Saturday, clinching the Paris 2024 quota.
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 women’s 50kg semifinal at the Asian Olympic qualifiers. Phogat, a Commonwealth and Asian Games champion, won the battle in 4:18 minutes thanks to technical superiority over the Kazakh wrestler. She will now face Aktenge Keunimjaeva of Uzbekistan, who defeated Chinese Taipei’s Meng Hsuan Hsieh 4-2. Vinesh was out of action and was protesting against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Saran Singh for almost two years. She participated in the trials in two weight categories and won a 50 kg trial to participate in the Asian Olympics qualifications.
Vinesh showcased her prowess in the wrestling arena with a flawless performance in her first match, overwhelming South Korea’s Cheon Miran with a commanding 10-0 victory in the round of 16. Her quarter-final match against Cambodia’s Dit Samnang saw her clinch another swift win, securing victory by fall (VFA) in under a minute. It’s worth noting that Vinesh competed in the 50kg category, which differs from her usual preference of 53kg. Despite this, her exceptional skill shone through.
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
Although she had previously claimed two bronze medals at the World Championships in the 53kg category, Antim Panghal’s prior qualification in the 50kg division, from her bronze triumph in the 2023 World Championships, led Vinesh to participate in both categories during the National trials on March 11. While she faced defeat in the 53kg category against Railways’ Anju, Vinesh emerged victorious in the 50kg category, defeating Shivani with a score of 11-6.