Explained: Why is Vinesh Phogat Playing in Non-Olympic Category Before the Paris Olympics?

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Wrestler Vinesh Phogat is making a strong comeback to wrestling after a knee injury. She's trying out a new weight category of 55 Kg (a non-Olympic category) instead of her usual 53 Kg. Right now, she's getting ready to show off her skills at the ongoing Senior National Wrestling Championship in Jaipur.

Vinesh's last match was in September 2022 at the World Championships in Belgrade, where she won a bronze medal. After spending 2023 leading protests against the former wrestling federation chief, Brij Bhushan Singh, Vinesh is determined to earn a spot in the Paris Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat reveals reason behind category change

Although she selected for the Asian Games 2023, she had to pull out due to an injury. But she's not giving up. Vinesh's strong determination and resilience shine as she continues to chase her Olympic dream.

"I have been out of match practice for past year," said Vinesh Phogat to the media on the sidelines of the National championship. "55 kg suited my requirement to make a comeback on the mat as I am coming back on the mat from a surgery."

"Due to lack of practice and my knee surgery, I didn't want to cut much weight. I will play in 53 kg at the international level", added the 29-year-old Vinesh.

On participating in National championship she said "I am very happy that we are getting our national championships. It is good to see so many wrestlers participating and I am here to participate. A lot has happened and a lot is going on in wrestling at the moment. This year is a crucial one given the Paris Olympics in sight. I wish all the wrestlers the very best."

Now, as the Paris Olympics are coming up, Vinesh, who has competed in two Olympics before (2016 and 2020), is getting ready to compete again for the Paris Games. The ad-hoc committee in charge of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided there will be trials where another wrestler can challenge the spot holder for a chance to go to Paris. With this opportunity, Vinesh has a chance to qualify for the Olympics.