Vinesh Phogat Settles for Silver Medal at Asian Wrestling Championships
This is also Phogat's second consecutive silver of the event, following her last year's podium finish at home on her comeback from a major knee injury.
New Delhi, March 1: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat settled for silver in the ongoing Asian Wrestling Championships as she lost the tough-fought title clash in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Phogat lost to Chinese wrestler Chun Lei by a narrow margin of 3-2 in women final of the 50kg category (freestyle).
She defeated Korean, Kazak, and Japanese wrestlers on her journey to win silver. The 23-year-old came into the final after defeating Japan's Yuki Irie after the scores were tied 4-4.
Vinesh Phogat took to her social media pages to share a picture from the bout and a thoughtful message. She writes, "Not entirely pleased with the final result at #Bishkek2018. Nevertheless, a good start to 2018, a super important year. Abhi focus galtiyan jo competition main saamne aayi unko sudhaarne pe rahega. Some big events coming up, super pumped to make all those opportunities count."
Meanwhile, another female wrestler Sangeeta secured a bronze medal in 59kg weight category after losing to Um Jieun of Korea Republic 9-4. This takes India's medal tally to four in the tournament after Greco-Roman wrestlers Harpreet Singh and Rajender Kumar clinched bronze earlier.
Watch: Vinesh Phogat bags silver at Asian Wrestling C’ships
This is also Phogat's second consecutive silver of the event, following her last year's podium finish at home on her comeback from a major knee injury.