Vinesh Phogat wins Paris Olympics Quota in women's 50kg category

Vinesh Phogat defeated Kazakhstan's Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 in the Asian Olympic Qualifier's women's 50kg semifinals to earn India's second Paris Olympics quota in wrestling. 

The 29-year-old Commonwealth and Asian Games champion took just 4:18 minutes to win the match with technical superiority in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Phogat was coming with a 4-0 lead in the second period and then scored a takedown before winding two gut wrenches to finish the bout. 

Third Olympic quota for Vinesh

This is Phogat's third Olympic Quota after representing India at the Rio Olympics and Tokyo Olympics. Phogat was fighting against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Saran Singh and was out of action for almost two years. 

She had to participate in the trials in two weight categories and won a 50-kg trial to participate in the Asian Olympic Qualifier. This is India's second Paris Olympics Quota in wrestling after Amit Phangal's bronze medal at the World Championships last year. Phogat will now face Aktenge Keunimjaeva of Uzbekistan in the final. 

Know about all the Indian athletes who have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 so far.

🚨 Vinesh Phogat wins Paris Olympic Quota 🇮🇳

Vinesh Phogat secures Paris Olympics quota in women's 50kg event at the Asian Olympic qualification.

She defeated Kazakhstan's Laura Ganikyzy in the semi-final. #Paris2024 #ParisOlympics #Wrestling #Paris24 pic.twitter.com/zMqwacWbrt

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 20, 2024

Anshu, Mansi and Reetika in the semis 

India will now look to win more quotas with Anshu Malik (57 kg category), Mansi Ahlawat (62 kg category) and U23 world champion Reetika (76kg category) qualifying for the semi-finals already. 

However, Nisha Dahiya lost her bout against Meerim Zhumanazarova in the second round. But, with the  World Qualifiers coming in May, the Indian Wrestlers will have more chances to win the Paris Olympics Quota.