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In a viral video doing rounds on X (formerly Twitter), Kazakhstan wrestler Laura Ganikyzy looked in utter dismay, shedding tears after losing her semi-final bout and the Paris Olympics 2024 spot to India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the 50 kg category.
Vinesh defeated South Korea's Miran Cheon by 10-0 in the qualification round of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers 2024. She succeeded over Samnang Dit in the quarter-final bout by 2-0. Subsequently, in the semi-final, she defeated Laura by a 10-0 scoreline to clinch her spot for the mega event in Paris.
The 29-year-old Vinesh will now be seen in her third consecutive Olympic Games, having already featured in the Rio Games (2016) and the Tokyo Olympics (2020).
In the Tokyo Games, a total of seven Indian wrestlers participated with four of them being women - Seema Bisla (50kg), Vinesh Phogat (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), and Sonam Malik (62kg).
A strong comeback by Vinesh Phogat after missing out on game time for a long time
After spearheading a prolonged protest against former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made a triumphant return to the international stage, securing a coveted spot in the Paris Olympics in the women’s 50 kg category, following an impressive performance in the Asian Olympic Qualifier.
It remains to be seen whether the WFI will allow the quota winners to represent India or opt for a final selection trial to determine the national team for the upcoming mega event in Paris.
India so far has grabbed only four spots for the quadrennial event - Vinesh Phogat (50 kg), Antim Panghal (53 kg), Anshu Malik (57 kg), and Reetika Hooda (76 kg).
It’s important to note that Antim Panghal secured her spot after winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2023. The other three wrestlers secured their spots after winning their respective semi-final bouts in the Asian Olympic Qualifier 2024.
The Asian Olympic Qualifier 2024 was the penultimate chance for Indian wrestlers to grab their spots in Paris Olympics 2024. The World Qualification Tournament in May 2024 will be the last wrestling qualifier for the forthcoming mega event.
