India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has created a big record in the Paris Olympics. She has entered the finals of women’s 50 kg wrestling. She has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic final. Vinesh defeated Eusnelis Guzman Lopez of Cuba 5-0 in the semi-finals. ‘Dhakad Chhori’ defeated three wrestlers from Mangswar and made it to the finals. He is at least assured of a silver medal. His first Olympic medal has been confirmed. She has won Commonwealth Games gold, Asian Games title, two bronzes from the World Championships and eight medals from the Asian Championships.
In the last four match, Lopez tried to hold on to Vinesh’s leg in the initial period but due to her over-defensive game, the Indian wrestler got a chance to take a lead of one point. After taking the lead in the initial period, Vinesh started the second period aggressively and took a 5-0 lead with a strong hold on the opponent wrestler’s right leg. The Cuban wrestler then tried to get hold of Vinesh but her attempt failed due to Vinesh’s excellent defence. Talking about Vinesh’s first match, she defeated the current champion Yui Susaki.
Susaki is the same wrestler who won the gold medal in the Tokyo Games without losing a single point. Susaki looked dominant in the beginning but Vinesh turned the tables in the last few moments. He won this match 3-2. After the victory against the Japanese wrestler, not only the Indian camp but also other wrestlers involved in this half of the draw were celebrating. Vinesh did something against Susaki which perhaps few people would have thought of. Before the Olympics, he participated in the Spanish Grand Prix and won it. Although the event did not feature top wrestlers, it still gave them a chance to spend time on the mat.
After defeating Susaki, Vinesh showed her strength in the quarter final match also. She defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine 7-5 in the quarter-finals and booked her ticket to the semi-finals. Vinesh is playing her third Olympics but she is challenging for the first time in 50 kg. Earlier she used to play in 53 kg. Vinesh had spent a lot of time away from the mat last year, leading protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan after he accused him of sexual misconduct. (with agency input)
