Vinesh, Anshu secure Paris Olympics quota; Reetika scripts history

Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Reetika and Anshu Malik secured Olympic quota places in the women's 50kg, 76kg and 57kg categories respectively at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Saturday.

Reetika etched her name in history by securing India's first ever Olympic quota place in the women's 76kg category. She defeated Hui T. Chang of Chinese Taipei with a commanding 7-0 victory, propelling her into the 76kg final and clinching India's third quota of the day.

Vinesh, who recently made a comeback following a knee surgery and nearly a year and a half absence from international competition, showcased her dominance on the mat.

In the semifinals, Phogat faced off against Laura Ganikyzy of Kazakhstan, where she emerged victorious with a dominating score of 10-0. Her exceptional performance not only secured her spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics but also underscored her status as one of India's premier athletes.

Vinesh is set to square off against Uzbekistan's Aktenge Keunimjaeva in the final, further cementing her quest for Olympic glory. Earlier in the day, she defeated her Cambodian rival Smanang Dit to qualify for the semifinal.

Anshu Malik secured her Paris Olympics quota place in the women's 57 Kg category after defeating her opponent Laylokhon Sobirova with a commanding 11-0 victory by technical superiority. Should she represent India in Paris 2024, it will mark her second appearance at the Olympics.

Malik's journey to Olympic qualification was marked by impressive performances, including a dominant win over Bilimbek Kyzy in the quarter-finals, where she triumphed with a score of 12-1.