Paris Olympics 2024: Vinesh Phogat on cusp of history

August 7, 2024

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Vinesh Phogat made it to the final of the women’s wrestling 50 kg category of Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh defeated Cuba’s Yusnilis Guzman 5-0 in the semi-finals and moved towards the final. With this win, Vinesh confirmed another medal for India. With this win, Vinesh has also maintained India’s 16-year streak. In fact, for the last 16 years, India has won atleast 1 Olympic medal in wrestling.

Vinesh has confirmed a medal in wrestling for India by maintaining the legacy of the last 16 years. Not only that she is has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final of her event thereby ensuring atleast a silver. However, Vinesh is expected to win the gold by winning the final match. For the gold medal, Vinesh will face Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States in the final on August 08 (12:45 AM IST).

India has won a medal in wrestling every time since 2008 Olympics

India has won a medal in wrestling in every Olympics since 2008, but has not been able to win gold even once. However, this time gold is expected from Vinesh Phogat. If Vinesh wins gold, she will become the first wrestler to win gold in wrestling for India in the Olympics.

Vinesh’s journey to the finals

Vinesh Phogat entered the field in the 50 kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh came to the field last Tuesday (August 06). She played her first match in the round-16, in which she faced world number 1 Yui Susaki of Japan. Yui was the defending champion who won in Tokyo without dropping a single point. She was also on a 82-0 win streak in international matches. Despite losing 2 points for passivity, Vinesh defeated Yui Susaki 3-2 and made it to the next i.e. quarter-final round. In the quarter-final, Vinesh faced Oksana Livach of Ukraine. Vinesh defeated Oksana 7-5 and confirmed her place in the semi-finals.

Then in the semi-finals, Vinesh faced Yusneylys Guzmán of Cuba. Vinesh defeated Yusneylys 5-0 and entered the finals. By reaching the finals, she also confirmed a medal for India. Now Vinesh will play the final match for the gold medal on August 8 (12:45 AM IST) against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States.