In a historic moment for Indian wrestling, Vinesh Phogat has become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals of the Olympics, achieving this remarkable feat at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Competing in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, Phogat’s journey to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her resilience and skill against some of the toughest competitors.
Vinesh’s path to the finals began with a stunning upset in the Round of 16, where she faced Yui Susaki, the defending Olympic champion and a four-time world champion from Japan.
Susaki entered the match with an impressive record of 82 consecutive victories, having not lost a single point during her gold medal run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, Phogat defied the odds, defeating Susaki 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter.
Despite trailing 0-2 after receiving penalty points for passivity, Vinesh executed a brilliant takedown in the final seconds, securing two points and ultimately winning the match.
This victory not only marked Susaki’s first international defeat but also sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, establishing Phogat as a formidable contender.
Following her monumental win over Susaki, Vinesh faced Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the quarterfinals. Displaying her tactical prowess and experience, Phogat won the match 7-5, advancing to the semifinals.
Throughout the bout, she maintained control and fended off a late surge from Livach, further solidifying her status as a top contender for the gold medal.
This achievement is particularly significant for Vinesh, who has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries and controversies.
Having previously competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics without securing a medal, her journey has been marked by determination and perseverance.
Vinesh is not only a trailblazer for Indian women in wrestling but also a symbol of resilience, overcoming personal and professional hurdles to reach this pinnacle.
As she prepares for the final, Vinesh Phogat is set to face Guzman Yusneyiys from Cuba. A victory in this match would not only earn her an Olympic gold medal but also cement her legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in Indian history.
With the hopes of a nation resting on her shoulders, Vinesh’s performance in the final will be closely watched by fans and supporters.
