Vinesh’s campaign at the Paris Games began with an achievement that no other wrestler had accomplished before. She was pitted against Japanese grappler Yui Susaki in the Round of 16 who never tasted a defeat at the international level.
Vinesh, however, had a different plan as she caused the most stunning upset of the Olympic Games by bringing an end to the undefeated streak of Sasaki, the world’s top-ranked wrestler and the defending Olympic gold medalist, which had spanned an impressive 82 matches.
In the first six minutes, the wrestling community was left stunned by her performance. However, in the following six minutes, she faced off against Oksana Livach of Ukraine, the 2018 European champion. It was during this crucial period that she truly showcased her exceptional skills and left no doubt about her superiority.
In the final six minutes of the day against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, she demonstrated her exceptional tactical prowess once again. Like a skilled predator, she patiently waited for her opponent to make a single error that would allow her to secure a single-leg hold.
Her strategic approach and ability to capitalize on her opponent’s mistakes were on full display during those crucial moments. The match served as another testament to her unparalleled expertise in the sport.
The 29-year-old from Haryana recorded 5-0 over Guzman Lopez in the semifinals to be assured of at least a silver in her third Olympic outing.
After her victory against Susaki, she let out a cry of relief, laying flat on her back. However, the most poignant moment came when she reached the final, with her teary-eyed Belgian coach, Woller Akos – who has been her confidant throughout this journey – by her side.
Phogat will wrestle against American Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal on Wednesday. Hildebrandt defeated Mongolia’s Otgonjargal Dolgorjav 5-0 in the other semifinal.
