Picture Credit: Twitter
Vinesh Phogat has decided to pull out of the Hangzhou Asian Games after sustaining a knee injury which will require surgery. The 53-kg wrestler sustained the injury during a training session this week and announced her withdrawal from the Asian Games on Twitter to her fans. Her followers showered the wrestler with support during what is undeniably a very difficult time for any athlete. It is to be noted that Phogat won a gold at the Jakarta Games and was looking to retain a high level performance during this edition of the Asian Games in China.
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In her statement, she stated that she was injured during training on August 13th. The doctor then informed the athlete that surgery was the only option for recovery, and she was forced to withdraw her participation. In her place the reserve player will be going to represent the country. The Games will begin on the 23rd September and run until 8th August. The multi-sport event is an important precursor to the Paris Olympics, which Phogat will hope to participate in.
Her statement read, “A couple of days ago on 13th August, I injured my left knee in training. After doing the scans and examinations, the doctor has said that unfortunately surgery is the only option for me to recover…I will be undergoing surgery on 17th August in Mumbai. It was my dream to retain my Asian Games gold medal for India which I won in 2018 in Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now…I would like to request all the fans to continue supporting me so that I can make a strong comeback on the mat soon and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Antim Panghal set to replace Phogat at Asian Games 2023
Antim Panghal is the reserve player that is set to replace Phogat for the Asian Games. She won the Asian Games selection trial at 53-kg and is a promising young wrestler. She notably protested against the ad-hoc panel’s decision to allow Phogat to directly qualify for the Asian Games.
An Ad Hoc panel member stated, “We also got to know from her statement in the social media; we have not received any letter from her so far. Antim is the reserve player and she will replace her.”
Phogat was a key member in the series of protests against former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Delhi.
