Asian Games 2023: Setback for India as star wrestler Vinesh Phogat withdraws due to injury

Ahead of the Asian Games 2023, the Indian contingent felt shockwaves as star wrestler Vinesh Phogat pulled out of the tournament. The Haryanvi wrestler injured her knee during a training session and will now have to undergo surgery. Vinesh expressed disappointment while informing people about his injury on social media.

The 28-year-old athlete, using social media, expressed her disappointment at being unable to participate in the upcoming games due to an injury that necessitated surgery. It is worth noting that this injury affects her other knee, distinct from the right knee she injured during the Rio Olympics, which was subsequently operated on.

“I wanted to share an extremely sad piece of news. A couple of days ago, on August 13, 2023, I injured my left knee in training. After doing the scans and examinations, the doctor has said that unfortunately, surgery is the only option for me to recover,” she wrote on social media.

Vinesh Phogat will undergo knee surgery in Mumbai on Thursday

Further speaking about the operation and treatment, Vinesh informed me that she will undergo surgery in Mumbai on August 17, 2023. “I will be undergoing surgery on August 17 in Mumbai. It was my dream to retain my Asian Games Gold medal for India, which I won in 2018 in Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now. I have informed the concerned authorities immediately so that the Reserve player can be sent to the Asian Games,” she wrote.

Vinesh Phogat’s exclusion from the Asian Games is a significant concern for India. As the reigning champion at the Asian Games, a two-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze medalist at the World Wrestling Championships, her absence creates a notable void in India’s representation. Her remarkable track record and exceptional skills make her a vital asset, and her absence might impact India’s performance and chances of securing medals at the event.