New Delhi, Aug 06: In a stunning display of skill and determination, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured her place in the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics. Phogat’s victory in the semifinal bout against Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzmán on Tuesday marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first female wrestler from India to reach an Olympic final.
Phogat dominated the semifinal match from the start, earning a point in the first period. She then unleashed a flurry of attacks in the second period, quickly racking up four points and leaving her Cuban opponent struggling to respond. Guzmán was unable to find an answer to Phogat’s aggressive style, and time ran out before she could mount any significant offense.
The path to the final was not easy for Phogat. Her day began with a shocking upset over four-time world champion and top seed Yui Susaki of Japan. In a nail-biting 3-2 decision, Phogat secured a late takedown to defeat the previously unbeaten Tokyo Olympics gold medalist. She then went on to win her quarterfinal match against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach with a score of 7-5.
This Olympic run represents a remarkable comeback for Phogat, who faced a devastating setback in the 2016 Rio Olympics. During her quarterfinal match in Rio, she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and had to be carried out on a stretcher. Prior to this tournament, her highest Olympic placement was ninth, and she had never finished higher than third in a world championship event.
Phogat’s journey to the final is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her performance in Paris has not only broken new ground for Indian wrestling but has also established her as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
The final match, where Phogat will compete for Olympic gold, is eagerly anticipated by fans around the world, particularly in India, where she has become a symbol of perseverance and athletic excellence.