Indian women wrestlers Aditi Kumari, Neha Sangwan and Pulkit performed brilliantly on Thursday to become Under-17 World Champions in their respective categories at the prestigious Cadets Tournament. Aditi became the champion in 43 kg by defeating Maria Louiza Gikika of Greece 7-0 in the title match. Whereas Neha defeated So Tsutsui of Japan in the final of 57 kg. Neha did not give any chance to her opponent in the gold medal match. India’s star female wrestler is Neha Sangwan from the same village as Vinesh Phogat. Neha has dedicated her medal and this victory to Vinesh Phogat.
Neha told Indian Express, ‘This medal is for Vinesh didi and is hers only. Winning this title is a big thing for me. This medal is for every female wrestler. Vinesh didi will remain an inspiration for us and after this medal, other girls from Balali village and from India will also be inspired to play wrestling.
Pulkit won 6-3 over Daria Frolova in the 65 kg final. She was leading 5-0 but at the end of the match, she used a ‘pushout point’ and a caution, which gave Frolova a chance to get three points. Frolova tried hard to win but Pulkit defended well in the last 20 seconds to win the title. Vinesh Phogat had reached the final of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Vinesh was assured of at least a silver medal in the 50 kg event, but on the day of the final match, her weight was 100 grams more, due to which she was disqualified.
Vinesh Phogat then had to return home without an Olympic medal, but she was given a warm welcome for her wonderful journey till the final.
