Posted by New Delhi: Two-time Olympic winner Vinesh Phogat has is just one win after from securing a place in Paris Olympics 2024 after a stellar show at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. The qualifiers, which began on Friday, are the ticket for the Indian wrestlers to earn a seat at the Paris 2024 Games, starting from July 26 to August 11.
Phogat looked dominant as ever making a full use of an easy draw to get rid of her opponents, keeping herself just a win away from securing the big ticket. Meanwhile, Anshu Malik and U23 world champion Reetika too made it to the semifinals at the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek on Saturday.
Vinesh dominates like always
Vinesh looked for that one opportunity to subdue her Korean rival and grabbed it after measuring Miran Cheon for about 30 seconds in her opening bout. After grabbing Cheon, she pushed her down for a take down and the bout ended in just one minute and 39 seconds.
The next bout lasted a mere 67 seconds. Cambodia’s Smanang Dit was an easy prey as Vinesh pinned her in no time to move to the women’s 50kg semifinal. The champion wrestler is competing in the 50kg category after coming through the selection trials. Even if she misses the chance, she can later be in contention for a berth in 53kg where Antim Panghal has already secured a quota. Antim may be asked to appear in one final trial to prove her worth.
Meanwhile, the 2021 World Championship silver medallist Anshu Malik got a direct entry into the quarterfinals and she had no problem whatsoever to put it across Kyrgyzstan’s Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority. U23 world champion Reetika (76kg) did not have to break much sweat in outclassing Eunju Hwang.
The finalists at this competition will win quota for their respective countries.
(With PTI inputs)