'Dear haters' - Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat hits out at online trolls after making the cut for Asian Olympic Qualifiers

03-12-2024
3 min read
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Renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat had a message to send to all the online trolls and haters after winning the women's national trials in the 50kg category on Monday, March 11. 

"Dear haters, I have so much more for you to be mad at me. Just be patient," Phogat posted on her official X account on Tuesday (March 12) evening.

MORE: Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya knocked out of Paris Olympics contention 

Vinesh Phogat makes the cut to the Asian Olympic qualifiers

After being permitted to compete in an unprecedented two weight divisions during the trials, where Phogat qualified for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in the 50kg category.

Phogat defeated Shivani 11-6 to secure a spot in the Qualifiers, which will take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 19 to 21.

Phogat has been leading an intense protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after accusing him of sexual harassment. 

Notably, the Wrestling Federation of India's ad hoc committee said that there would be additional trials, the winner of which would compete against the quota winner for an Olympic berth. Therefore, victory in Bishkek does not ensure a spot on the Olympic squad.

Confusion still surrounds the current Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Kumar Dahiya's participation in Paris this summer following their defeats on Sunday.

They should be permitted to participate in the final trials, nevertheless, according to the notification from the ad hoc committee.