Pro Wrestling League 2015: Geeta bests world champion Herhel, wins back confidence
With the spectators cheering for her, Geeta Phogat tried to stay focused and calm. She was going to face the World No.1 and reigning World champion in the 58 kg category Oksana Herhel. For years Geeta, the first female wrestler from India to qualify for the Olympics, has been a torch bearer. So when her bout against Oksana began, she had the support reserved for a popular underdog.
But they soon fell silent as the 2015 World champion Oksana went into the half time with a 2-1 lead. She almost pinned Geeta but the referee blew the whistle marking the end of the first period and saving the home favourite from embarrassment. “I saw her videos and I was ready for the attacks but she was too quick for me. Coming into this bout it didn’t matter whether I will win or lose. I just wanted to put up a fight as I had lost two matches in the league,” Geeta said.
The Punjab Royals’ skipper had had mixed results so far in the Pro Wrestling League. While she suffered a shock defeat to Sakshi Malik of Mumbai Garudas in her first bout, she won against Sarita of UP Warriors. Yesilirmak Elif humbled her 4-1 – an opponent she had lost to in the repechage round at the 2015 Worlds earlier this year. That defeat shook Geeta to the core.
“I lost confidence after that loss because I had fought her before and should have prepared better. I wanted some confidence back,” Geeta said.
Dramatic recovery
And when the second period of her bout against Oksana began, it appeared as if she was trying hard to regain confidence. She succeeded in taking a 5-2 lead with one minute to go by successive takedowns. But Oksana made a comeback through a four-point take down to lead 6-5. In the dying seconds of the bout, Geeta managed to turn it around in a dramatic manner by taking down the world champion with only three seconds left.
The Haryana Hammers player challenged the decision but it did not change the score. “Before going into the bout, I thought that this is where I have to prove myself and I am happy I did it today,” a relieved Geeta said.
Geeta helped her team reach the semis after the 5-2 win over Haryana Hammers, who had won all their ties till Tuesday. “We are the semi-finals and I want to lead this team to the final and win,” Geeta said.
With another Olympics just eight months away, this may be a fresh start for 27-year-old.
