Wrestling: Vinesh Phogat, Reetika, Anshu Malik Inch Closer To Paris Olympics Qualification

Looking as dominant as ever, Vinesh Phogat made full use of an easy draw to demolish her opponents, placing herself one win away from securing a Paris Olympics quota, while Anshu Malik and U23 world champion Reetika too made it to the semifinals at the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek Saturday. Vinesh, as is her wont, looked for that one opportunity to subdue her Korean rival and grabbed it after measuring Miran Cheon for about 30 seconds in her opening bout.

Once she grabbed Cheon and pushed her down for a take down, the bout ended in a jiffy, in one minute and 39 seconds.

It was difficult to wriggle out of Vinesh's strong hold. The Indian employed gut wrench move thrice and mixed that with one 'expose' to finish the bout.

The next bout lasted a mere 67 seconds. Cambodia's Smanang Dit was an easy prey. Vinesh pinned her in no time to move to the women's 50kg semifinal.

Vinesh is competing in 50kg category after winning the selection trials. Even if she misses the chance, she can later be in contention for a berth in 53kg where Antim Panghal has already secured a quota. Antim may be asked to appear in one final trial to prove her worth.

The finalists at this competition will win quota for their respective countries.

The 2021 World Championship silver medallist Anshu Malik got a direct entry into the quarterfinals and she had no problem whatsoever to put it across Kyrgyzstan's Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority.

U23 world champion Reetika (76kg) did not have to break much sweat in outclassing Eunju Hwang. She won the first round by technical superiority as the Korean had no answer to Reetika's class and got a similar win under belt against Mongolia's Davaanasan Enkh Amar.

In the final group bout against