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Two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat secured her quota in the Paris Olympics 2024 after her impressive performance in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Saturday, April 20.
Notably, Vinesh Phogat opted to drop her weight class from 53 kg to 50 kg to chase her dream of representing the nation at the mega event in Paris. After being away from the mat for 1.5 years, Vinesh stated that it was a do-or-die situation for her.
“I have fought two battles - one regarding weight cut (53kg to 50kg) and the other is the competition. On the mat, every performer becomes highly competitive. I had to switch weight class because of compulsion, not by choice. But I’m proud of having secured the quota for my country in 50kg,” Vinesh Phogat said as quoted by ANI.
“I had been away from the mat for one-and-a-half years and I had to have an operation. Many people had suggested not to take part in the 50kg because it might lead to an injury relapse but I didn’t have an option. It was a do-or-die situation for me,” she added.
During Vinesh’s off time from the mat due to injuries and other affairs, the latest wrestling sensation Antim Panghal performed exceptionally well in the 53 kg category. She secured her spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 after clinching a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships last year.
“The focus will be on trying my best” - Vinesh Phogat
Making a strong comeback to international competitions after leading a protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Vinesh Phogat realized that the quota is just the first step of the journey and actual work starts now.
“There are four months left and every single day will be important to me in the build-up to the Olympics. The focus will be on trying my best. I’ve been doing this for 20 years in the hopes of winning an Olympic medal keeps me going,” she went on to add.
Asked how she managed the pressure of competing at such a high-stakes tournament after a long layoff, Vinesh admitted that she was nervous. Furthermore, she insisted on achieving what she failed to do in the last two Olympics.
