Injured Vinesh ruled out of World Championships

NEWDELHI: Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat was on Sunday ruled out of the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest with an elbow injury. The event is scheduled from October 20-28.

It will be a big blow for India as Vinesh was a favourite in the 50kg category having won backto-back medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Vinesh injured herself during training in Lucknow and has been advised 4-5 weeks of rest, said Wrestling Federation of India assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.

“She was sparring with Pooja Dhanda when the injury happened. The chief coach told us she will not be able to participate in World Championships as doctor has advised 45-day rest for Vinesh,” said Tomar. “We are awaiting the scan report.”

Tomar said Vinesh’s replacement will be named on Monday. “We may shift Ritu Phogat in 50kg category and take Pinki in 53kg,” Tomar added. The wrestling squad will by leaving for Hungary on October 3 where they will train before the competition. Vinesh suffered a knee injury during 2016 Rio Olympics during her bout and had to be stretchered off the arena writhing in pain.

Vinesh underwent a surgery and returned to the mat after a long road to recovery.

But since coming back to the sport, Vinesh has been in great form and stamped her class at the Asian Games in Jakarta when she comfortably outclassed a tough filed and became the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.