In her third Olympic appearance, Vinesh Phogat has fought her way into the semifinals of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her journey to Paris has been fraught with challenges, but she now stands just one win away from securing a medal for India.
The 29-year-old wrestler from Haryana has had a remarkable run in these Games, overcoming significant hurdles to get this far. In a stunning turn of events, Vinesh defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Yui Susaki in the opening round. Susaki, who had an impeccable international record of 82-0 before this bout and had not lost a single point en route to her gold medal in Tokyo, was considered one of the greatest modern-day wrestlers. This victory sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and marked one of the biggest upsets in Olympic wrestling history.
Vinesh's match against Susaki was a testament to her strategic prowess and resilience. Despite conceding a passivity point and trailing 0-1 at the mid-match break, Vinesh maintained her defensive stance and did not allow Susaki to score easily. Her moment of brilliance came in the final seconds of the bout when she scored two points with a grapple, ultimately winning the match and advancing to the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-final, Vinesh faced Ukraine’s Oksana Livach and secured a 7-5 victory. She dominated the bout from the beginning, showcasing her experience and skill. Despite a late surge from Livach, Vinesh held her ground and moved one step closer to her Olympic dream.
Vinesh’s journey to the semifinals is particularly poignant given her involvement in the wrestlers' protests in India last year, which drew significant attention and criticism. Her performance in Paris is a powerful reminder of her unwavering determination and talent.
Next, Vinesh will face Guzman Yusneyiys of Cuba in the semifinals. A win in this match would not only guarantee her an Olympic medal but also make her the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic wrestling final. This would be a historic achievement and a crowning moment in Vinesh's illustrious career.
As Vinesh prepares for her semifinal bout, the entire nation watches with bated breath, hopeful that she will continue her inspiring run and bring home an Olympic medal.
