Vinesh Phogat: India’s famous wrestler Vinesh Phogat defeated Jyoti 7-1 in the women’s 53 kg category in the selection trials of the Asian Games on Saturday. This competition took place just a day after the intervention of the Supreme Court and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), after which he was allowed to participate in the competition.
Entry was received after the decision of Supreme Court and WFI
WFI had earlier limited the veteran wrestler to 50 kg category, but after this the federation changed its decision. The change happened after the intervention of WFI President Sanjay Singh, who had supported Vinesh’s inclusion in the 53 kg trials.
Won a strategic victory against Jyoti
In her first match against Jyoti, Vinesh started cautiously and used standing wrestling. He scored the first point with a push-out. After this he tried a double-leg attack, but did not get any points from it. The match changed at the beginning of the second period when Vinesh was put on the activity clock, which forced her to increase her pace.
Vinesh converted a right-leg attack into a takedown to take a 3-0 lead, and then displayed her defensive skills by blocking a powerful leg attack from Jyoti. Taking advantage of the counter-attack, Vinesh made two quick scoring moves and took the score to 7-0. However, in the final moments, Jyoti saved herself a clean sweep by getting a push-out point.
Will face Nishu in the second round
With this victory, Vinesh will now face Nishu in the second round, who has advanced by defeating Riya through ‘fall’. If the matches go as per schedule, it is expected to be a very exciting final between Vinesh and star wrestler Aakhri Panghal. However, Vinesh is likely to face Meenakshi Goyat in the semi-finals.
On the other hand, in the final Panghal made a strong start and defeated Tannu in just 34 seconds on the basis of ‘technical superiority’. This young wrestler quickly trapped his opponent in the ‘fitle’ move and achieved a decisive victory by rotating him five times in a row.
Decision changed after allegations of discrimination
It is noteworthy that Vinesh’s participation in the trial became possible after the dramatic events that took place in the last 48 hours. On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that she can participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games. A bench headed by Justice PS Narasimha said that the wrestler deserves this opportunity considering the successes she has achieved for the country in the last several years.
Initially, the WFI had decided that Vinesh could participate only in the women’s 50 kg category. Vinesh protested against this decision and accused the Federation of discrimination. After talks and intervention of federation leaders, the WFI changed its decision on Saturday morning and allowed him to participate in the 53 kg trials.