New Delhi, Mar 26: The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics was her “worst fear” and India’s medal hopeful Vinesh Phogat says the extended wait is going to be tougher than competing at the Games.
In an unprecedented move, the 2020 Tokyo Games was on Tuesday pushed to next year due to COVID-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the world.
Star wrestler Vinesh was “deeply disappointed” when she learned of the postponement.
“This was every athlete’s worst fear and it has come true. Everybody knows that competing at the Olympics is the toughest test for an athlete but I believe waiting for an opportunity to be on that stage is tougher,” she said in statement on Twitter.
“I don’t really know what to say right now but inside me there is a roller-coaster of emotions,” the 25-year-old added.
She was one of India’s biggest medal hopes at the Rio Olympics before a freak injury cut short her Games during an earlier round.
And she was preparing in earnest for Tokyo too, having qualified for the Games after finishing on the podium at the last year’s world championships.
“This is a very crucial time for the world and the greater sporting fraternity. Though I am very deeply disappointed, it is more important than ever to see the silver lining in this dark cloud.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had faced growing calls to postpone the Games, with 1.7 billion people across the world in lockdown to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
