Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat who recently secured a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics said that Japan is her biggest challenge. “I think everyone is strong in the 53 weight category and Japan is definitely the power-house and beating them in their own country will be the biggest challenge.” 

Vinesh Phogat on changing her weight category 

The 25-year-old wrestler became the first Indian to qualify for the 2020 Olympics after she hammered the world silver medalist 8-2. She also said that “ Recently, I changed my weight category. It became a bit tough. I did not know whether I will succeed or not, but one thing I know is that I will give my 100 per cent. That is what I did. Now I have got qualified. It was a relief at that time,” she was speaking to reporters at an event in Delhi.

Vinesh Phogat earns a spot at the Tokyo Olympics

Vinesh Phogat defeated Greece’s Maria Prevolaraki for a bronze at the World Wrestling Championship. The wrestler said that she is extremely happy to bring a medal home and a spot at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I am happy and relieved that I am going to Tokyo but it’s not over yet. I have a medal bout and I don’t want to miss that,” Vinesh had said to the media before her match with Maria Prevolaraki.

READ | Bajrang Punia punches ticket to Tokyo 2020, third Indian to qualify

READ | Vinesh, Seema keep India's hopes alive at World Wrestling Championship

Deepak Punia bags a spot at the Tokyo Olympics 

Indian wrestler Deepak Punia also bagged a spot at 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he defeated Colombia’s Carlos Mendez in the 86kg World Wrestling Championships quarterfinal on Saturday. Seema Bisla, however, missed Olympic qualification in 50kg after losing her second repechage round 3-11 to Russia’s Ekaterina Poleshchuk. Rahul Aware also beat former Asian champion Kayliyev of Kazakhstan in the semis in a thrilling 10-7 encounter to reach the last four of the 61kg category. 

READ | Vinesh Phogat wins Bronze in WWC, qualifies for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

READ | Bajrang Punia punches ticket to Tokyo 2020, third Indian to qualify

(With inputs from ANI)