Paris Olympics 2024: Medal confirmed for India as Vinesh Phogat storms into final

Paris Olympics 2024: India's star grappler Vinesh Phogat stormed into finals on Tuesday. With this win, she also confirmed another medal for India. Vinesh Phogat has accomplished a remarkable feat at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old wrestler secured at least a silver medal in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, ensuring India its fourth medal of the Games.

Phogat's 5-0 victory over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the semifinal marks a historic achievement, as no Indian female wrestler has ever won anything higher than a bronze in the Olympics. She now aims to become the first Indian wrestler to win an Olympic gold.

Road to semifinal

Earlier in the day, Vinesh shocked the wrestling world by defeating Yui Susaki, the reigning Tokyo gold medalist and four-time World Champion. Susaki had an impressive streak of 82 consecutive international wins. However, Vinesh's strategic excellence led to a 2-3 defeat for Susaki in their opening bout, propelling Vinesh to the semifinals.

🇮🇳 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! From two quarter-final exits in the last two Olympics to now assuring a medal for India at #Paris2024   , Vinesh Phogat has truly shown the world what she is capable of!

👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 @sportwalkmedia 𝗳𝗼𝗿… pic.twitter.com/XSReBNc46g

— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia) August 6, 2024

In the quarterfinals, Vinesh faced Oksana Livach of Ukraine, a former European champion and 2018 World Championship bronze medalist. Despite a fierce challenge from Livach, Vinesh emerged victorious with a score of 7-5, edging closer to her Olympic dream.

Overcoming past challenges

Vinesh's career is adorned with accolades, including three Commonwealth Games gold medals, an Asian Games title, and eight Asian Championship medals. Yet, Olympic success had eluded her until now. Her breakthrough in Paris has ignited celebrations among the Indian contingent and removed a formidable opponent from Susaki's section of the draw.

Tactical brilliance against Susaki

The opening match against Susaki showcased Vinesh's tactical brilliance. Both wrestlers started cautiously, with minimal action in the first 90 seconds. Susaki gained the first point due to Vinesh's passivity. As the second period progressed, Vinesh trailed 0-2 after another penalty. However, with 20 seconds left, Vinesh seized her moment. After an initial failed attempt to grab Susaki's left leg, she capitalized on Susaki's unsteady stance to execute a two-point takedown with just nine seconds remaining, securing the win. Vinesh celebrated emotionally, embracing her coach Woller Akos, while the Japanese team’s challenge was dismissed.

Before the Paris Olympics, Vinesh won the Spanish Grand Prix, which provided crucial mat time even though it lacked top-tier competitors. Her preparation also involved significant activism, as she was a key figure in the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, spending nights at Jantar Mantar.