Paris: Vinesh Phogat achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
Competing in the women's 50kg freestyle category, Phogat secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-final at the Champ-de-Mars Aren.
The remarkable win not only guarantees Phogat a medal, her first at the Summer Games, but also puts her on the verge of becoming India’s first-ever wrestling gold medallist at the Olympics.
She will face the USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, a bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020, in the final scheduled for 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, August 8.
In the semifinal bout, Phogat combined caution with aggression. She took a 1-0 lead in the first period and dominated the second, extending her advantage to 5-0. Her tactical skill and relentless approach secured her place in the gold medal match.
Earlier in the day, Phogat showed her resilience in a thrilling quarterfinal against Ukraine's Oksana Livach, winning 7-5. She took an early 2-0 lead but had to fend off a strong comeback from Livach in the second period. Phogat's strategic prowess and composure under pressure were evident as she held on to her lead, progressing to the semifinals.
Phogat's journey to the semifinal also included a stunning victory over Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Yui Susaki in the round of 16. In a match filled with high drama, Phogat overcame a 1-0 deficit after the first period to win 3-2, showcasing exceptional resilience and skill against the three-time world champion. This significant upset has further cemented Phogat’s status as a top contender in the sport.
As Phogat prepares for the final against Hildebrandt, the nation stands united in support, eagerly anticipating a historic gold. With her outstanding performances, Phogat has already etched her name in the annals of Indian sports, and now she aims for the ultimate prize.