Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made history on August 6, 2024, by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic finals in wrestling. Competing in the 50kg freestyle category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Phogat secured at least a silver medal for India with a dominant 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals.Phogat’s journey to the finals was marked by impressive performances, including a stunning upset over reigning Olympic and four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the round of 16, and a victory against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals. Her aggressive approach and strong defensive skills were key factors in her success.This achievement is particularly significant given the challenges Phogat has faced in recent years. She overcame a knee surgery, changes in her weight category, and was involved in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite these obstacles, Phogat remained focused on her Olympic dream.Phogat’s historic run has garnered praise from various quarters. Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik expressed her emotions, saying, ‘This is an emotional moment for me. Vinesh has reached the gold medal match… Today, a longstanding penance has borne fruit’. India’s national coach Virender Dahiya called her performance ‘a miracle’.Looking ahead, Phogat will face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match on Wednesday. As she prepares for the final, Phogat remains focused on her ultimate goal. ‘Gold laana hai (Have to bring gold),’ she told her mother Premlata after the semifinal bout.
Key points
- Vinesh Phogat becomes the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic finals.
- Phogat secured at least a silver medal for India in the 50kg freestyle category.
- She overcame numerous challenges, including protests, injuries, and weight category changes.
- Phogat will face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match on Wednesday.
