Madrid : Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat triumphed at the Grand Prix of Spain by claiming the gold medal in the women’s 50kg category. In a decisive final match, the two-time World Championship bronze medalist defeated Mariia Tiumerekova with a score of 10-5.
Mariia, formerly a Russian wrestler and now competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, faced a determined Vinesh, who secured her Schengen visa just days before the competition. Vinesh showcased her prowess throughout the tournament, winning three bouts to reach the final.
Her journey included a commanding 12-4 victory over Pan American champion Yusneylis Guzman in the opening bout. She followed it up with a pinfall win against Canada’s Madison Parks, the silver medalist from the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In the semifinals, Vinesh defeated another Canadian wrestler, Katie Dutchak, with a score of 9-4.
Following her successful campaign in Spain, the 29-year-old former Asian Games gold medalist will continue her preparations for the Paris Olympics with a 20-day training program in France.