Historic Victory: Vinesh Phogat Becomes First Indian Woman to Reach Olympic Wrestling Finals in Paris

Paris Olympics: India’s Vinesh Phogat reached the wrestling finals at the Olympics on Tuesday. Vinesh Phogat is now the first Indian woman to reach the finals in Olympic wrestling. Vinesh clinched the medal in Paris by defeating Cuba’s Lopez Guzman in the semi-final in the afternoon.

Vinesh competed against his Cuban opponent with the same fighting spirit he used to defeat Olympic champion Yuvi Suzaki of Japan. They caught Guzmán’s leg early in the game, putting Cuba under pressure in the opening minutes. Despite the pressure, Vinesh could not score any points in the first 2 minutes of the match. A cautious Guzman was penalized for inactivity, losing a 2 minute point in the first round. Under pressure from there, Vinesh stood over Guzman.

After Guzmán went on the offensive, Vinesh chose an aggressive defensive approach. Vinesh was warned for inactivity, which brought out the best in him. Vinesh caught Guzman’s right leg and dominated to take a 5-0 lead. Vinesh did well for the rest of the match and got a clean sweep in the semi-finals.

The biggest upset at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday was Vinesh Phogat’s loss to defending champion Yuvi Suzaki of Japan. In the 16th round of the quarter-finals of the women’s 50 kg category, the Indian star defeated Yuvi 3-2.

Vinesh Phogat defeated Yuvi Suzaki, who did not concede a single point on his way to Tokyo Olympic gold. So far Yuvi has lost only three matches in his career. With this loss, he stands at four. Vinesh Phogat was the first wicketkeeper to lose to UV at international level.

Vinesin’s opponent in the final is American Anna Sarah Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt defeated Otgonchargal Dolgorjav 5-0 in the semi-final on Tuesday.