Vinesh Phogat locked up India's 53kg spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after the star India wrestler defeated Sarah Ann Hilderbrandt in the second repechage round at the ongoing World Wrestling Championship.

India's biggest medal hope at the Olympics, Vinesh thrashed returning world silver medalist Sarah 8-2 to secure herself a berth at Tokyo. With the win Vinesh has progressed to the bronze medal bout against Maria Prevolaraki of Greece.

Earlier in the morning, the Indian defeated Blahinya 5-0 in the first repechage round after being pushed out of the title race on Tuesday.

Vinesh Phogat suffered a pre-quaterfinal defeat against reigning champion Mayu Mukaida of Japan at the World Championship here.

Vinesh started her campaign at the Worlds on Day 5 where she started her campaign with a commanding 13-0 win over Olympic bronze medallist Sweden’s Sofia Mattsson but then faced a rampaging Mayu Mukaida of Japan who defeated the Indian 7-0. However, Mayu Mukaida threw Vinesh a lifeline of the repechage round as she herself reached the final of the grand event.

While it has been a spectacular career for Vinesh with gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, none of her three attempts at the world championship resulted in a podium.

Competing in her fourth Worlds, she is one win away from her maiden medal and standing in her way is Greek wrestler, Maria Prevolaraki.

"I am happy and relieved that I am going to Tokyo but it's not over yet. I have a medal bout and I don't want to miss that," Vinesh said as she walked into the training area.

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