Asian Games 2018: Vinesh Phogat Gives India Its First Women’s Wrestling Gold Medal

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat wins gold in women's freestyle 50 kg category in Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta. She secured India's first Women’s Wrestling gold medal at the Asian Games and increased the nation’s tally to two golds at the ongoing Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia’s Jakarta.

Phogat defeated Japan's Yuki Irie 6-2 in the 50 kg category. She kicked off strongly in the first round by taking a 4-0 lead, but her opponent eventually earned two points. She later added two more points to her tally to script the historical victory.

She is the cousin of wrestlers Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari and comes from the great wrestling family known as the Phogat Sister.

The medal was a huge saviour one for Vinesh, who lost a medal in Rio Olympics 2018. She started as favourite in Rio but was unluckily knocked out after an injury during a bout.

Vinesh's semifinal lasted just 75 seconds when she moved into the final with a 'fitley'. She was already up 4-0 and then toppled over her opponent thrice with leg-lock.

She became the only woman wrestler to win two medals in back-to-back Asian Games in 2014 and 2018. Vinesh had previously won a bronze medal in the 48kg category at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games

Besides Vinesh also won back-to-back gold medals in Glasgow and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games this year.

Before leaving to Indonesia She wrote on twitter a caption which read, "Heading to Jakarta for the @asiangames2018! Big challenge ahead of us but we hope to come out on top with the power of all your blessings and make #India proud!"

Twitter celebrated her win with the likes of President Ram Nath Kovind, BJP President Amith Shah and several other important personalities congratulating country's daughter. "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," President of India wrote on official Twitter handle.