Never heard of this award before, Vinesh Phogat says after Laureus Awards nomination
After becoming the first Indian to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award, Vinesh Phogat has said that she had never heard of the award before. However, the wrestler has said that with Tiger Woods among the nominees, it will be a tough competition to get awarded.
Vinesh became the first Indian to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards in the âcomeback of the yearâ category yesterday and she got the news only after her bout against Ritu Phogat in the ongoing Pro Wrestling League. Golfer Tiger Woods, winter Olympic athletes; Japanese figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris, US ski racing legend Lindsay Vonn and Dutch Paralympic champion Bibian Mentel-Spee are also nominated in the same category for the prestigious award ceremony.
âI was thinking something wrong has happened but it was about some award on the news. I have never heard of this award but if I am nominated and as everyone is stating itâs a big award, itâs a great thing and I will be happy to win this,â Vinesh told Scroll.Â
âTiger Woods is also nominated so I think the competition is tough. I donât know how itâs going to be. He is a great player so I think my chances go down.â
Vinesh made a strong comeback in 2017 and 2018 becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Games. Earlier last year, she also bagged a gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for India.Â
âItâs good when these things happen. But I donât wrestle for any awards. If I get one, itâs good. If I donât, that is also good. My wrestling is more important,â the wrestler concluded.
