New Delhi: During the return of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Paris to her village Balali last week, the 29-year-old asked young wrestlers there to break her records after the Olympics fiasco.
On Thursday evening, 16-year-old Neha Sangwan from Balali clinched gold medal at the ongoing U-17 Wrestling World Championships in Amman, Jordan. In the final of women’s 57kg category, Neha heavily relied on her double-leg attacks to thump Japanese grappler So Tsuitsui with a comprehensive scoreline of 10-0.
Neha was among the enthusiastic supporters of Balali village who waited for hours to welcome Vinesh with a garland of currency notes after the ace wrestler missed the podium finish following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle owing to overweight. But Neha ensured to recognise her idol’s valiant efforts and promised to carry forward her legacy.
“It’s a huge thing for me and this title is for Vinesh didi and all the women wrestlers. Vinesh didi remains an inspiration for us all and this world title will inspire the women wrestlers back in Balali village as well India too,” Neha told The Indian Express.
Vinesh Phogat happy with Neha’s success
Neha is also the protege of renowned wrestling coach Mahavir Phogat. Her father Amit Kumar Sangwan took her to Mahavir’s academy in the Jhoju Kalan village, as per the report of The Indian Express. Neha has won medals at age-group levels and became champion at her state Haryana. She won the U-15 Asian title in 54kg a couple of years ago.
“To see Neha win her first world title would have made Vinesh happy too today. It’s a special feeling for the whole of Balali village too,” Amit Sangwan told Indian Express.
After changing many coaches, Neha worked with Sajan Singh Mandola at the Krishna akhada with the aim of winning a big international trophy. Earlier in June, Neha also claimed the Asian U-17 title in 57kg.
Neha was among the enthusiastic supporters of Balali village who waited for hours to welcome Vinesh with a garland of currency notes after the ace wrestler missed the podium finish following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle owing to overweight. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
