On August 6, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat created history by winning the third consecutive gold medal in the Commonwealth games that are currently underway at Birmingham.

She also became the first Indian woman to win Gold at both the Commonwealth as well as Asian Games. Phogat defeated Sri Lanka’s Chamodya Keshani Maduravlage Don in the women’s 53KG freestyle wrestling at the Birmingham Games. Previously, she had won gold at Gold Coast in 2018 and Glasgow in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to News Agency ANI, Phogat said, “It was a good feeling when people were supporting us (inside the stadium). Today I was able to execute what I learned during my training &will try to continue my good performance in upcoming competitions: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat after winning the gold medal in Commonwealth Games.”

It took Vinesh only 2 minutes and 24 seconds to defeat her opponent. Most of the time, she had pinned her Sri Lankan opponent on the mat. Speaking to Hindustan Times before leaving for the games, Phogat had said, “I want nothing less than a gold medal as I wish to complete my hat-trick of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. It’s always special to carry the hopes of billions of people, including family members, when you go to a big event. I am looking forward to giving my best at the Birmingham Games and winning my third gold medal. In my cabinet, I have a lot of medals (14 so far), but I would like to have an Olympic medal as well.”

Notably, there were only four wrestlers competing in her weight category. Thus, the medals were decided in Nordic format, contrary to the knockout format in other categories. Her first opponent was Samantha Leigh Stewart from Canada. She finished the match in just 36 seconds. The second match was against Mercy Bolafunoluwa Adekuoroye from Nigeria.

CWG Gold medallist Vinesh Phogat's mother said, "My daughter played well. The country is watching. She has done the nation proud. It would also inspire others." 

Avinash Sable creates history

Avinash Sable, born in Beed district in Maharashtra, created history earlier today when he became the first non-Kenyan to win a medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase event at the Commonwealth Games. In an event traditionally dominated by Kenyans, Sable won a silver medal ensuring that Kenyans don’t run away with all the medals yet again.

Avinash Sable finished the race with a time of 8:11.20, creating a new national record. This is the 9th time he has broken the national record in the event. Kenya continued their domination of the event as Abraham Kibiwot, the 2018 silver medallist, narrowly edged out the Indian athlete by 0.05 seconds to win the gold. The bronze also went to Kenya as world junior champion Amos Serem finished in 8:16.83.

Sable now holds the national record in three separate events, namely 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, and the half marathon.

After his remarkable performance, wishes poured in from all quarters, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister wasn’t the only one to recall his army background as many other people remembered his time at Siachen glacier.

Avinash Sable didn’t even start pursuing athletics seriously till 2016 when he got inducted into the 5 Mahar battalion of the Indian Army. Now he is smashing records left right and center and challenging the traditional powerhouse Kenya in their signature event.

Sportstar showed graphically the magnitude of Avinash Sable's silver!

India continues to shine at CWC

Deepak Nehra won bronze in the men’s 97KG category in wrestling. Pooja Sihag also won bronze in the women’s 76KG category. So far, India has won 36 medals, including 12 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze.

India's Pooja Gehlot gets emotional post winning a Bronze medal in the Women's 50kg Freestyle Wrestling. "I apologize to my compatriots. I wished that the National Anthem be played here... But I will learn from my mistakes, and work on them," says Wrestler Pooja Gehlot.

References:

opindia.com