Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat might have secured a Paris 2024 Olympics quota in women’s 50 kg category, but the challenges have only started for her. Forget winning a medal, her first challenge would be to only maintain her weight. “I will have to manage my weight a lot better. I have brought myself down to 50 Kg after so long so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high,” Vinesh told the UWW.
“Because of that, I gain weight easily. It doesn’t matter how fit I am, I still gain weight because I have a lot of muscle mass. I just want to control my weight. I have four months left, and every day is very important,” she added.
53 Kg Not an Option for Vinesh Phogat
The two-time World Championships medalist, Vinesh moved away from her pet 53 kg category to 50 kg now, since Antim Panghal had already won a quota there. While it is not confirmed that Antim will go from that category, but the chances for Vinesh, to go to the Olympics are still higher here.
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“I did the weight switch because I didn’t have any option, not out of happiness. But I won a quota for my country in the 50kg category. I am happy that I can go to the Olympics. Whether I go in the 50kg category or in the 53kg category, that will be decided in the trials, but, whatever it is, I won a quota for my country.”
Vinesh in Fine Form
What was noteworthy about Vinesh’s performance was that she did not concede even a single point during her three bouts during the Asian Olympics qualifiers. “I just want to try my best. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been wrestling. I just want an Olympic medal. Everyone is working for that,” Vinesh said.
