XtraTime Web Desk: Vinesh Phogat becomes the first Indian wrestler to win a medal at the World Wrestling Championship 2019 at Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. She has bagged a bronze medal by beating gainst two-time time World Championships medalist Maria Prevolarak in the 53kg category. The 25-year-old defeated her Greek opponent 4-1 to pull off a thrilling win.
Earlier, Phogat became the first Indian wrestler to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics as she held off world number one Sarah Ann Hildebrandt with some superlative defense in her second repechage round. At least five times, Sara had got hold of Vinesh’s right leg but with her immense upper-body strength, the Indian did not let her rival take advantage and won 8-2.
After being placed in an extremely tough 53kg draw, Vinesh had lost to reigning champion Mayu Mukaida in the second round. In her first repechage round, she had easily dispatched Ukraine’s Yuliia Khavaldzhy Blahinya 5-0.
“I am happy and relieved that I am going to Tokyo but it’s not over yet. I have a medal bout and I don’t want to miss that,” Vinesh had said after earning the Olympic qualification. Navjot Kaur gave her a hug and the Indian camp, which has endured tough times in the initial days, was gleaming. There were handshakes but coach Woller Akos was still not smiling. He was still seriously discussing something with Vinesh, probably what she needs to do in her next bout.