As India was celebrating Sakshi Malik’s bronze medal win in the 58 kg freestyle wrestling category on Thursday, fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat would have been lying on a bed with a cast on her right knee. The 21-year-old, who was one of India's brightest medal prospects in Rio, was grievously injured during her quarter-final bout in the 48 kg freestyle event on Wednesday.
Phogat suffered a ligament tear during her bout against China's Sun Yanan, which forced her to retire hurt. After scans, it was revealed that it will take at least a week for her to recover, India's Chef de Mission Rakesh Gupta told PTI. "She does not have a bone injury. Only [a] ligament tear in [the] right knee. She has to take support. But there's no dislocation. Hopefully she will recover in one week," Gupta said. "But she will take about two-three days to walk properly. She will take the help of a support," he added.
After Phogat bagged the first point against Yanan, her Chinese opponent hit back with a single-leg take-down to earn two points. The Chinese pinned the Indian down in an awkward position and Phogat sustained an injury to her right knee, which forced her to forfeit the bout 1-2. The 21-year-old, who was touted as a medal prospect for India, was seen crying in pain as she was treated on the mat, before being stretchered off for medical treatment. Earlier, Phogat thrashed Emilia Alina Vuc of Romania 11-0 by technical superiority in her pre-quarter-final.
It was an extremely unfortunate way to end an Olympic campaign. Phogat later took to Twitter to thank her well-wishers. While she said she was "physically and mentally" hurt, she sounded positive about her recovery.
She also found the support of many on the social media platform.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!