Phogat sisters shining high; This time it’s Vinesh who bagged Gold at Asian Games

Jakarta, August 21: Legend Phogat sisters continue to soar high with medals and making country proud. Vinesh Phogat on Monday created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.

 

Notably, Vinesh Phogat clinched India's second gold of the Asian Games with a comprehensive victory over Yuki Irie of Japan in the women's freestyle 50kg in Jakarta. Vinesh began the bout aggressively against Yuki Irie and at the interval scored 4 points. Though Vinesh lost a point in the second round, she held on to pick up a 6-2 win and a gold medal.

As soon as Vinesh created history, good wishes flooded for her. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Sports Minister Rajya Vardhan Rathore extended their wishes to Vinesh Phogat for her historical success.

This is Vinesh's second medal at the Asian Games, having picked up bronze in Incheon four years ago. She also became only the fifth Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal in wrestling, and the first among those to clinch gold.

In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “Congratulations @Phogat_Vinesh on winning the Gold Medal in 50 kg freestyle wrestling at the #AsianGames2018. A proud moment for you, for Haryana, and for all of India! #PresidentKovind.”

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, “Congratulate Vinesh Phogat for winning Gold Medal in 50 KG Freestyle Woman Wrestling at Jakarta Asian Games 2018. I wish other members of the Indian contingent all the very best.”

While PM Modi said, “Another tournament, another medal! India rejoices in the victory of @Phogat_Vinesh. Congratulations to her on winning the Gold in the 50Kg wrestling event at the @asiangames2018. Vinesh's repeated success will surely inspire upcoming athletes.”

Sports Minister Rajya Vardhan Rathore said, “What a stupendous performance by @Phogat_Vinesh! She wins 2nd🥇for India at #AsianGames2018 in the women's freestyle 50kg Women’s Wrestling. Way to go champ! #IndiaAtAsianGames.”

On the other side, Indian shooter Lakshya Sheoran bagged silver medal equalling the feat achieved by former world champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu at the 2006 Doha edition.

Earlier, on the first day, exemplifying their electrifying performance, Indian athletes won three medals including a Gold from Bajrang Punia. The total count of medal for India goes to 5.

Asian Games is having the participation of around 11000 athletes from 45 countries including 540 Indians in 40 sports and 67 disciplines consisting of 28 Olympic sports, 4 new Olympic sports and 8 non-Olympic sports. Some of the events, including Handball and Football, began last week. The Indian contingent at the games was led by Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra with the national flag at the glittering opening ceremony.

BACKGROUND:

The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a continental multi-sport event held every four years between athletes from all over Asia. Since 1982, the Games have been organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Prior to that, the Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF).

The AGF regulated the very first Asian Games, which were held in New Delhi, India in 1951 until the 1978 Games, till the federation’s breakup. The Games are the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.

Overall, nine nations have hosted the Asian Games and forty-six nations have participated in it, including Israel, which was excluded from the Games after their last participation in 1974. The last edition of the Games was hosted by Incheon, South Korea from 19 September to 4 October 2014. The current edition was originally scheduled to be hosted by Vietnam in Hanoi, however, the country withdrew its bid, based on economic considerations.

Following Vietnam’s withdrawal, Indonesia offered to hold the 18th Asian Games. This will be the second time that Indonesia hosts the Asian Games. The first one was held in Jakarta in 1962. However, this will be the first time that the Asian Games will be held in two cities - Jakarta and Palembang.