Vinesh Phogat is India’s best hope for an Olympic medal at Tokyo Games. But with the outbreak of Coronavirus, her training and competition plans have taken a serious hit. Despite the shortcomings caused by the global pandemic, the 25-year-old is determined to shine at the Olympics. “I know things are not going the way we had planned. But it is out of our hands to control it. What we can control is how we move forward to achieve the ultimate goal – an Olympic medal,” she told WrestlingTV. Having already qualified for the Tokyo Games, she will be competing in the 53kg weight category. Dubbed as the most competitive weight class in women’s wrestling for the Tokyo Games, Vinesh will be bidding her Olympic medal chances against USA’s Jacarra Winchester, Japan’s Mayu Mukaida and Korea’s Mi Pak Yong.
Also Read: Coronavirus Impact: Coach gone, Vinesh Phogat trains with sister
In a conversation with WrestlingTV, Vinesh shares her experience from Norway training camp, how Coronavirus has affected her to her thoughts on the Tokyo Olympics.
WrestlingTV: Vinesh how frustrating is the current situation. At this time your training would have been going in full flow and all of a sudden this Coronavirus issue has stopped everything?
Vinesh: Yes it feels bad that our plans have all failed due to the current situation but it is the case with everyone. I am just focused on my training.
WrestlingTV: Are you getting thoughts that the Olympics may not happen?
Vinesh: Yes, people are calling for postponing the Olympics but I am not thinking about it. It builds unnecessary pressure which I believe can be easily avoided by focussing on our goal. Also, since I have already qualified for the Olympic Games there is little pressure of qualifications, which is good for me. It helps me think less of the Games and stay mentally fit.
WrestlingTV: You have been living the dream of Tokyo 2020 since very long, sacrificing everything you have, working very hard – how difficult to go through this situation?
Vinesh: I am still training with the same intensity. Nothing has changed for me. For athletes, these things do not matter. We just dream of winning at the Olympics and it helps us keep going.
WrestlingTV: Are you still practising? How is the daily schedule like? How you are keeping yourself in the groove?
Vinesh: Yes, I train twice a day. But I also make sure to take all the precautions necessary to keep Coronavirus at bay. I wash my hands regularly before and after training. Also, I only train with my sister Priyanka.
WrestlingTV: Your coach also left for his home, training centres are closed – what message he gave you before leaving?
Vinesh: We decided to keep in touch via phone. He sends me a weekly plan and then I work on it. Every day after practice I give him a full report on how my training was. Before leaving he told me to stay focused on the training and take necessary precautions against the virus.
WrestlingTV: How was the Norway experience? Akos told us that especially sparring with Okuno helped?
Vinesh: The training camp in Norway was good. Yes, training with Okuno has helped me get an insight into the Japanese style of wrestling. It will help me overcome the Japanese wrestlers.
WrestlingTV: You trained with Grace Bullen too during your last training trip? How was it?
Vinesh: Grace is very strong. Her upper body strength is very impressive. Training with her helped me work on the Greco techniques which I have been working on for a while.
WrestlingTV: Lot of wrestlers are shifting to your weight category. Jacarra Winchester shifted from 55kg, How tough she will be?
Vinesh: For me everybody is equal. They all have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Woller and I analyse them and work on them. But I don’t specifically work on a particular individual.
WrestlingTV: If one thing you have to improve, what that will be?
Vinesh: I am working on my leg attack and counter-attacks.
WrestlingTV: Do you think in today’s situation Tokyo 2020 should be postponed?
Vinesh: I am not thinking of the Olympics. I am just focused on my training and improving myself for the judgement day.
