Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika Advance to Semifinals at Asian Olympic Qualifier

Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika have advanced to the semifinals of their respective events at the Asia Olympic Wrestling Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Vinesh Phogat, competing in the women's 50kg event, defeated Korea's Miran Cheon in the first round and then pinned Cambodia's Smanang Dit to reach the semifinals. Vinesh is now one win away from securing a Paris Olympics quota.

Anshu Malik, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist, also reached the quarterfinals with ease, defeating Kyrgyzstan's Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority. Reetika, the U23 world champion in the 76kg category, outclassed her opponents from South Korea and Mongolia to make it to the semifinals. Both Anshu and Reetika are similarly one win away from qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

Why this matters: The success of Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika at the Asian Olympic Qualifier brings India closer to securing more wrestling quotas for the Paris Olympics. Their potential qualification would bolster India's medal prospects in wrestling at the 2024 Games.

However, not all Indian wrestlers had success in Bishkek. Nisha Dahiya, competing in the 68kg category, failed to reach the top four after losing in the must-win round three. The only path remaining for Nisha to qualify for the Paris Olympics is through the World Qualifiers in Turkey from May 9.

If Vinesh misses out on the 50kg quota, she can still be in contention for the 53kg category, where Antim Panghal has already secured a quota. However, Antim would be requested to fight Vinesh in a final trial to prove her worth in the 53kg category. "The finalists at this competition will win quota for their respective countries, and the last chance to win a Paris Games quota will be at the World Qualifiers in Turkey from May 9," a wrestling official stated.

Key Takeaways

• Indian wrestlers Vinesh, Anshu, Reetika reach semifinals of Asia Olympic Qualifiers.
• Vinesh, Anshu, Reetika one win away from securing Paris Olympics quota.
• Nisha Dahiya failed to reach top 4, last chance at World Qualifiers in Turkey.
• If Vinesh misses 50kg quota, she can compete in 53kg where Antim has secured quota.
• Finalists at this competition will win quota for their respective countries.