PTI
Rio de Janeiro, August 17: Woman wrestler Sakshi Malik lost in the quarterfinals of 58kg, but her chances of medal brightened after her opponent reached the final here Wednesday.
However, there was a tragic end to Vinesh Phogat’s (48kg) medal aspiration after she was stretchered off after suffering a knee dislocation during her quarterfinal bout against Sun Yan of China.
Vinesh had taken the first point against Yan, but the Chinese opponent hit back soon with a single-leg takedown to earn two points. Then the Chinese suddenly pinned the Indian down in an awkward position and Vinesh 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 grimacing in pain as she was treated for about five minutes before being stretchered off for treatment.
“We all are awaiting MRI report but she cannot fight again,” India’s chef de mission, Rakesh Gupta told reporters. “It seems she has dislocated her right knee. The medical scan will exactly reveal the exact nature of the injury,” he added.
Earlier Vinesh did not have to break much sweat to get the better of her Emilia Alina Vuc of Romania 11-0 by technical superiority in her pre-quarterfinal bout.
Sakshi lost to Valeria Koblova of Russia 2-9 in her quarterfinal encounter. The Russian was much superior to Sakshi and dominated the match right from the start. But with the Russian reaching the final, Sakshi have qualified for the repechage round and in contention for bronze medal.
