Olympics: A look at notable records of Indian wrestlers
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat missed the Olympic medal after getting disqualified ahead of the Paris Games final. Vinesh, who became the first Indian woman wrestler to make it to an Olympic final, failed to make the weight for her 50 kg final bout. Medal or not, she made India proud after defeating three tough competitors. Here are the notable Olympic records of Indian wrestlers.
First Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final
As mentioned, Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final after defeating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semi-final. Indian wrestler earlier triumphed over Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki of Japan, handing the Japanese wrestler her first loss in 82 international matches. Vinesh beat Oksana Livach in the semi-final to confirm a historic medal. However, her efforts went in vain.
Only Indian female wrestler with an Olympic medal
Vinesh's exit means Sakshi Malik remains the only Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympic Games. She scripted history at the 2016 Rio Olympics, albeit without making it to the final. Malik entered the repechage round after losing the quarter-final to Valeria Koblova. She won the bronze medal after beating Aisuluu Tynybekova 8-5. Notably, Malik was tralining 0-5 at one stage.
First Indian with multiple Olympic medals after independence
In 2008, Sushil Kumar won India's second-ever Olympic medal in wrestling and the first since KD Jadhav's bronze at the 1952 Games. The Indian wrestler defeated Leonid Spiridonov 3:1 in the bronze medal clash. Sushil then settled for a silver medal at the 2012 London Games after losing the final. He became Independent India's first-ever individual to win multiple Olympic medals post independence.
Independent India's first-ever medalist
As mentioned, KD Jadhav claimed India's first-ever medal in wrestling at the Olympics. He also became the first Indian individual to clinch an Olympic medal post independence. Notably, Norman Pritchard won two silver medals at the 1900 Paris Games.
