‘This is My Career’s Biggest Medal’, Says Vinesh on Worlds Bronze

Vinesh Phogat said her World Championship bronze is her career’s biggest medal to date.

(Photo: UWW)

After becoming the first Indian wrestler to secure an Olympic quota for the 2020 Tokyo Games, Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday ended her medal drought at Wrestling World Championships by winning a bronze.

Vinesh beat two-time world bronze medalist Maria Prevolaraki of Greece by fall in the bronze medal bout of 53 kg freestyle category.

“I’m feeling very happy because this is my first Worlds medal and I’ve been trying and trying for five years and finally I have won this medal. This is a very proud moment for me.”

Vinesh Phogat

She is only the fifth Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the World Championships and said after the win that the bronze almost felt like a gold, specially since she had just changed her weight category 10 months back.

“Yes, this feels almost like a gold because it’s my first World Championship medal and winning at this tournament is quite a big achievement. I had just changed my weight category and in just 10 months to win a medal here is a big thing for me. This is my career’s biggest medal.”

Vinesh Phogat