Injured Vinesh out of Asian Games, Antim to replace her

Vinesh Phogat has pulled out of the Asian Games after suffering a knee injury. The defending 53kg champion disclosed her injury on Tuesday and said she will undergo surgery on Friday.

- Avishek Roy

"A couple of days ago on 13th August, I injured my left knee in training. After doing the scans and examinations, the doctor has said that unfortunately surgery is the only option for me to recover," Phogat said in a statement.

"I will be undergoing surgery on 17th August in Mumbai. It was my dream to retain my Asian Games gold medal for India which I won in 2018 in Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now," she said.

It also rules her out of the World Championships in Belgrade next month, the selection trials for which are scheduled for August 25 and 26 in Patiala.

"I would like to request all the fans to continue supporting me so that I can make a strong comeback on the mat soon and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your support gives me a lot of strength," the 28-year-old said.