Vinesh Phogat Comeback: Star wrestler to make a comeback in Istanbul – After an absence of seven months from competitive wrestling, former World No 1 Vinesh Phogat is all set to make a return to the mat in Istanbul. Phogat last appeared in the Tokyo Olympics last year where she bowed out of the quarter-finals after a disappointing performance while struggling with a career-threatening injury. Follow Wrestling Updates on InsideSport.IN
Vinesh Phogat is scheduled to take part in the upcoming United World Wrestling’s Yasar Dogu International meet from 24th February. This international meet is being held in Istanbul, Turkey. Times have been tough for the defending Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after her disastrous Olympics exit. She was also banned from the sport for a short period of time for indiscipline.
Vinesh Phogat Comeback: Wrestler set for comeback in Istanbul in new weight category after career-threatening injury and Tokyo Olympics 2020 fiasco
Vinesh Phogat Comeback: Wrestler set for comeback in Istanbul in new weight category after career-threatening injury and Tokyo Olympics 2020 fiasco
She was banned by the Wrestling Federation of India on accounts of indiscipline after she allegedly refused to train with the Indian unit in Tokyo. The suspension was later lifted. But Vinesh continued to struggle with depression.
“Vinesh had originally planned to return at the Matteo Pellicone ranking series tournament in Rome from February 4-7. But, the tournament was rescheduled to June by UWW owing to the spread of Covid-19’s Omicron variant. Now, Vinesh will take part in the Istanbul meet,” an official from the WFI told TOI.
Vinesh Phogat Comeback: Wrestler set for comeback in Istanbul in new weight category after career-threatening injury and Tokyo Olympics 2020 fiasco
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After her horrible stint in the 2020 Olympics, Vinesh made attempts to make a comeback, however, was forced to sit on the sidelines as she was plagued by injuries and discomforts. She also took quite some time to recover from a surgery that she had on her elbow. Though still not 100%, the wrestler is on her road to a steady recovery. Following the tournament in Istanbul, she has a bust schedule of Asian Wrestling Championships, followed by the Common Wealth Games in Birmingham, and lastly the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Vinesh will make a change in her wrestling category in Istanbul. “Vinesh will not compete in her usual weight category of 53kg though. She will take part in 55kg. It could be a one-off decision,” the WFI official said.
Vinesh Phogat Comeback: Wrestler set for comeback in Istanbul in new weight category after career-threatening injury and Tokyo Olympics 2020 fiasco
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