Defending champion Vinesh Phogat has withdrawn from the 2023 Asian Games due to a knee injury which forced the Wrestling Federation to name a replacement.
Phogat sustained a serious knee injury during training on August 13 and further medical assessments confirmed the need for surgery, with the procedure set for August 17 in Mumbai.
The unexpected injury has shattered her dream to retain the coveted Asian Games Gold medal won in 2018 in Jakarta.
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What did Vinesh Phogat say about her injury?
"A couple of days ago, I injured my knee in training. After doing the scans, doctors said surgery is the only option for me. I will be undergoing surgery on August 17 in Mumbai," she wrote in a social media post.
It was my dream to retain my Asian Games Gold medal for India which I won in 2018 at Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now. I have informed concerned authorities immediately so that the Reserve player can be sent to the Asian Games.
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 15, 2023
"I would like to request all the fans to continue supporting me so that I can make a strong comeback on the mat soon and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your support gives me a lot of strength,” a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a bronze medalist at the World Wrestling Championships added.
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Who will replace Vinesh Phogat in the 2023 Asian Games?
Antim Panghal, the winner of the 53kg trials, steps in as Vinesh's replacement. She is also set to compete in the U-20 World Championship which will be held in Jordan.
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How many competitions will Vinesh Phogat miss?
The injury setback also affects Vinesh's participation in the upcoming 2023 Wrestling World Championships trials which will be held on August 25-26 in Patiala.
Since she cannot participate in the trials, she will also miss out on the main event, which is also the first Paris Olympics qualifying event. It will be held from September 16.
