From absolute dominance to good scrap: Vinesh changes tact

A change in weight category has brought with it a change in mindset for Vinesh Phogat and the trailblazing grappler has no qualms accepting that she no longer considers dominance a stroll in the park.

She literally ruled the 50kg category, winning gold medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games last year but missed out on competing at the World Championship due to a last-minute elbow injury.

Early this year, she switched to 53kg.

It has been a mixed bag for her in the new division. Top finish eluded her at Dan Kolov (silver) and the Asian Championship (bronze) but she grabbed gold at Grand Prix of Spain and Yasar Dogu.

"It takes time to adjust to new things. It's not physically but mentally we have to be prepared better. In 50kg, I knew that except 3-4 wrestlers I am not going to give anyone six minutes but in 53kg, competing 4-5 bouts for six minutes in a row is the new challenge for me," Vinesh told PTI in an interview.

She has just secured her place in India's World Championship squad by beating Pinki 9-0 in the 53kg trials.

It is highly unlikely that a compatriot would be able to challenge her at this point but Vinesh is mindful of the challenges that await on the global stage.

"In 53kg, almost all the wrestlers are strong, be it strength or technique. I was strong in 50kg but in 53kg, everything is matching (with rivals), so I can't say that I won't let anyone wrestle with me for six minutes in this category, at least for now," she said.

So, what changes has she made in her training since moving up to 53kg in which she is ranked world number six now with 46 points.

"I have focused on upper body a lot, both in the gym as well on the mat. I am also watching videos of wrestlers I have not yet competed against. This homework is being done everyday.

"I am not giving priority to any one, two or three athletes. I am focusing on all. In 50kg, I would have given you 3-4 names but all are same in 53kg. The mindset that I am developing is that I have to give good fight for full six minutes."
"If I continue to push, there will be a chance of injury and a tired body, not able to take training load, is more prone to injuries. It's smart now."
"I also learnt from Anshu that how crucial is maintaining stamina in longer bouts. I was impressed with the way she maintained intensity for six minutes (during trials)."
"They all just need more experience at the big stage. You can't say that only these two wrestlers are medal contenders. I strongly feel that our team for Tokyo will be very strong. There will be 4-5 contenders."