New Delhi: India’s Sangeeta Phogat, one of the six wrestlers who protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar, made a remarkable comeback as he won Bronze medal in the 59 kg category at the Budapest Ranking Series 2023 held on July 15.
Phogat defeats local favourite Viktoria Borsos
The two-time world championship medalist, showcased her talent on the mat as she secured thumping victory against the U-20 World Championship silver medallist, Hungary’s Viktoria Borsos, with a score of 6-2.
Match scenario
The 25-year-old wrestler faced the initial disappointment in the tournament but swiftly changed the scenario. Starting with a defeat against USA’s Jennifer Page Rogers in the first round, she bounced back with a resounding victory over another American wrestler, Brenda Olivia Reyna, in round three, clinching the win via technical superiority.
In the semi-finals, Sangeeta faced the tough competition from the Poland’s Magdalena Urszula Glodek. However, she displayed her defensive prowess a with double-leg moves, she couldn’t convert them into points. Despites leading in the game by 2-0 and 4-2 score, Glodek’s counter-attacks tilted the scales in her favour, ultimately leading to a 6-4 victory.
Fight against wrestler Harrassment
This Bronze medal showed the determination and resilience of the wrestler as it when many wrestler were protesting against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Phogat took on Twitter and shared her thought, which seemed like she was took an apparent dig at the WFI chief and seemingly voiced her support for those fighting against him.
“Messages of congratulations from all of you are reaching me, I am very emotional at this moment. Many thanks to all of you. This medal is not only mine but yours as well,” said Phogat. “I dedicate this medal to all the fighting women of the world who are fighting against crimes against women.”
आप सभी के बधाई के संदेश मुझ तक पहुँच रहे हैं इस पल पर बहुत भावुक हूँ।
आप सभी का बहुत बहुत शुक्रिया। यह मेडल सिर्फ़ मेरा नहीं है। सब आप सभी का मेडल है
मैं इस मेडल को दुनिया की उन सभी संघर्षशील महिलाओं को समर्पित करती हूँ जो महिलाओं के विरुद्ध हुए अपराधों के ख़िलाफ़ संघर्षरत हैं।… pic.twitter.com/FyJnqhaHVZ
— Sangeeta Phogat (@sangeeta_phogat) July 15, 2023
Wrestler withdrew from competition
Other Indian wrestlers, including Sarita Mor in the women’s 59 kg category, Sujeet in the men’s 65 kg category and Greco-Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar in the 87 kg category, were listed to compete at the Budapest meet but withdrew from the tournament earlier, ANI reported.
What is Budapest Ranking Series
The Budapest Ranking Series, known as the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial wrestling tournament, is the final ranking series event of the year. Indian wrestlers have showcased their mettle throughout the season, securing bronze medals in both the Zagreb and Ibrahim Moustafa ranking series tournaments. At the Bishkek ranking series, India’s wrestling contingent brought home one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
