World Wrestling Championships 2022: CWG star Vinesh Phogat loses in the 53kg qualification round in Belgrade

Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat lost in the qualification round of the World Wrestling Championships 2022 on Tuesday. She was defeated 7-0 by Khulan Batkhuyag of Mongolia in the qualification round. This year the World Wrestling Championships is being organized in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Vinesh's loss in the very first match of the tournament is a setback for India's medal hopes. He recently won a gold medal in the 53kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Also read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Full list of Indian medalists

10th seed Vinesh lost her balance in the last few seconds and was pinfall by Asian Games silver medalist Khulan. In the very beginning, Khulan took a 3-0 lead over Vinesh. Vinesh has earlier won a bronze medal at the World Championships.

Coincidentally, Vinesh defeated junior wrestler Antim in the selection trials for the World Championships. At the same time, Antim defeated the Mongolian wrestler in the final of last month's Under-23 Asian Meet. So, It was a disappointing result for Vinesh. Vinesh was a strong contender for the medal in the absence of former World Championship silver medalist Anshu Malik. She also had a favorable draw in the tournament after defending champion Akari Fujinami of Japan withdrew from injury. However, Vinesh crashed out in the qualification round itself.

Also read: World U20 Wrestling Championships 2022: Antim Panghal becomes the first Indian woman to win gold

India has not got any special result in the World Wrestling Championships 2022 so far. In the 50 kg weight category, two-time world silver medalist Emilia Alina of Romania defeated India's Neelam Sirohi 10-0 on the basis of technical efficiency. At the same time, France's Koumba Larroque, who had landed on the mat with an injured knee, defeated Shafali of India on the basis of technical proficiency in the 65 kg weight category.