GUWAHATI: Vinesh Phogat made history on August 6 by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of the Olympic Games.
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Competing in the 50kg category, she secured her place in the final with a decisive 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in Paris, ensuring at least a silver medal for herself. The match started cautiously, but a passivity clock on Lopez awarded Vinesh one technical point after the Cuban wrestler failed to take risks, giving Vinesh a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. In the second period, Vinesh extended her lead with four more points to seal the match.
Vinesh's path to the semifinals was marked by significant victories, including triumphs over reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan and Ukraine's eighth seed Oksana Livach. "Tomorrow is an important day, will talk then," Vinesh told the media before heading off to prepare for her final match against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Previously, Vinesh faced early exits in the quarter-finals of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her pre-quarterfinals bout in Paris saw her defeating world No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki, handing the Japanese wrestler her first loss in 83 matches. This victory set the tone for Vinesh's day, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Vinesh's victory over Susaki sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, and her subsequent bout against 2018 European champion Livach further demonstrated her skill and dominance. She quickly overcame Livach, using her technical prowess to secure a decisive win.
In the semi-final against Lopez, Vinesh displayed strategic brilliance. She waited for the right moment to exploit her opponent's mistake, using a single-leg hold to gain the upper hand. Her calm demeanor under pressure earned her a crucial win, advancing her to the finals.
Off the mat, Vinesh has faced significant challenges. She underwent knee surgery less than a year before the Olympics, causing many to doubt her chances. Her victory over Susaki was a moment of relief, as she lay flat on her back, having overcome immense pressure. Her coach, Woller Akos, stood teary-eyed on the sidelines, having supported her through thick and thin.
The past year and a half have been tumultuous for Vinesh. She became a prominent figure in the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment.
In the semi-final, Vinesh maintained her balance and prevented Lopez from getting her leg. She earned a point for passivity in the first round, which proved beneficial. Despite receiving a warning in the second round for not being aggressive enough, Vinesh fought back fiercely, targeting Lopez's right leg to gain two points and finishing the match with a leg hold.
Vinesh Phogat's final match is scheduled for today.