Indian wrestler Vinesh aims to raise bar for Asian Games gold

‘Minions’ aim for badminton glory

NEW DELHI, Aug 14, (RTRS): Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat had to settle for a bronze medal at the Asian Games four years ago but with experience and momentum on her side, she is hopeful of clinching a gold in Indonesia this month.

The grappler was 20 when she fell short of reaching the 48 kg category final in 2014 Games, losing to Japan’s Eri Tosaka but earning a podium finish by defeating Mongolia’s Narangerel Eredenesukh.

“Back then, I was quite young. Now, I have experience on my side, and would want to make full use of that,” Vinesh told reporters on the sidelines of a sendoff event organised by Tata Motors in New Delhi on Sunday. “I will give my best to change the colour of the medal that I win, preferably gold, as there’s nothing that exceeds gold.”

Vinesh has enjoyed a stellar season, claiming a second consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in April, as well as winning the Spanish

Vinesh

Grand Prix last month.

During her training camp in Hungary, Vinesh added finishing touches to her preparations with coach Woller Akos as she awaits tough competition at the Jakarta International Expo Hall.

“It’s just the set of opponents which changes, and brings about a change in strategy as well,” she added.

“The competitors will be quite strong, given that there will be a number of Olympic medallists among the contenders... so my focus will be on giving my best in every single match.”

Meanwhile, affectionately dubbed the “Minions” after the little yellow creatures from the 2015 animated movie, diminutive badminton duo Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sukamuljo will hope to stand tall and win gold for hosts Indonesia at the Asian Games this month.

Currently the world’s top ranked men’s doubles team, the pair are among some 11,300 athletes from across Asia who are set to compete in 40 sports hosted by the Southeast Asian nation in the capital Jakarta and Palembang on Sumatra island.