Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured a Silver medal for India at the Paris Olympics 2024 after a decisive 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman in the women’s 50kg freestyle event. Watch the video for more details.
In an inspiring and unexpected turn of events, Vinesh Phogat defeated Yui Susaki, the undefeated wrestling champion, in the first round of the 50kg category. Susaki, known for her unparalleled dominance, had been training rigorously in Niigata, Japan’s renowned medal-producing hub.
Phogat’s journey to the Olympics was marked by significant challenges. She spent a considerable part of the last year protesting on the streets of New Delhi, sacrificing her Olympic preparations to fight for the rights of female wrestlers in India. Despite these hurdles, Phogat remained resolute and prepared herself for the Olympics.
In a bout described by Algerian wrestler Ibtissem Doudou as “Boom,” Phogat executed a flawless move in the dying seconds, defeating Susaki and sending shockwaves through the wrestling community. This victory not only disrupted Susaki’s unbeaten record but also solidified Phogat’s legacy as a formidable wrestler.
Phogat’s semi-final victory, which ended 3-2 in her favor, left Susaki in disbelief. Overwhelmed with emotion, Phogat celebrated with her coach and broke down in tears, symbolizing the culmination of her relentless struggle against systemic challenges in Indian wrestling.
Susaki, often compared to Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay courts, had never lost an international bout until facing Phogat. Her previous victories included eight bouts in 2022, where she scored 66 points without conceding any, including her gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.
Phogat’s triumph is not just a personal victory but a testament to her resilience and determination. Her journey has been fraught with obstacles, including an injury before the Asian Games in 2023 and her strenuous weight cut to compete in the 50kg category. Despite these challenges, Phogat’s unwavering spirit led her to Paris, where she defied the odds and made history.
Neeraj Chopra, another Indian Olympic champion, lauded Phogat’s achievement, calling it “extraordinary” and praising her indomitable mindset.
As Vinesh Phogat prepares for her final bout on Wednesday, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, poised to potentially claim an Olympic gold medal for India.
