Recently crowned Commonwealth Champion wrestler Vinesh Phogat can’t stop herself from talking about the Olympics as she is not just chasing a medal to make up for the Rio heartbreak but also a little piece of history for herself.
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Vinesh suffered a career-ending knee injury in the quarter final bout of the Rio Olympics, which was a big setback to one of India’s biggest medal hope. However, she showed the spirit of a true fighter and wrestled her way to become the Commonwealth champion in Gold Coast.
“From next year the Olympic qualifiers will start and then preparations for the Olympics. There is still time for the Olympics, but my focus is already at Tokyo,” Vinesh told PTI in an interview as reported by TOI.
Vinesh sets herself for bagging India’s maiden gold in Wrestling and second individual gold after Abhinav Bindra.
“We have got bronze, we have got silver medals in wrestling in the Olympics but gold is still pending. So, whoever can bring the gold will be the nation’s hero,” Vinesh said.
“It (the CWG) was my first big Games after the Olympics. People expected a lot from me in the Olympics but I got injured and bowed out. After recovering from such an injury when you finish on the podium, it gives inspiration to other athletes. It was not an athlete’s win, India’s win,” she said of her gold in 50kg women’s wrestling in Gold Coast.
Vinesh now eyes a gold medal in Asian Games 2018. Four years ago, she won bronze in Incheon Asian Games.
“Now my complete focus is on the Asian Games. Before that, we are expected to play two more competitions and then the World Championships. I will try to give my best in all,” she said.
“The level of competition in the Asian Games will be much higher than the Commonwealth Games but I hope to claim the gold there too.”
Vinesh said that pressure is no barrier for her.
“I take pressure as people’s love towards me. If 125 crore Indians expect you to win than it means there is something in me. I always enjoy and excel under pressure situations because I feel I have it in me,” she said.
