How Vinesh Phogat defied injuries, controversies to reach Olympic final
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has assured India of its fourth medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Vinesh reached the wrestling women's 50kg final after beat Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0. Vinesh has become only the second Indian female wrestler with an Olympic medal after Sakshi Malik. However, the former's journey from battling injuries to making the Olympics final hasn't been modest. Here we decode the same.
Vinesh missed out on medal in 2016 (Rio)
Vinesh made her Olympics debut at the 2016 Rio Games. She lost the 48kg quarter-final to Sun Yanan of China after facing an untimely knee injury. The Indian wrestler lost the 2020 Tokyo Olympics quarter-final in the 53kg category to Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. After securing her Paris berth, Vinesh became the first-ever Indian female wrestler to qualify for three successive Olympic Games.
Controversies surrounded Vinesh between 2021 and 2023
Vinesh has been embroiled in several controversies. Following a decent Tokyo Olympics campaign, the Wrestling Federation of India suspended Vinesh for indiscipline. The year 2023 was marred with disputes within the Indian wrestling circuit. Vinesh was involved in a long-standing protest against then WFI president Brij Bhushan, who was accused of sexual abuse and intimidation. Vinesh, along with her fellow wrestlers, demanded his resignation.
Knee injury ruled Vinesh out of 2023 Asian Games
On the wrestling front, Vinesh received direct qualification for the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games in the 53kg category. However, a knee injury she suffered during training ruled her out of the quadrennial event. She also missed the Budapest Ranking Series in Hungary owing to illness.
An incredible comeback; Paris Games berth in 50kg category
Vinesh announced her comeback by winning the gold medal at the 2024 National Wrestling Championships, this time in the 55kg category. The Indian then claimed her Paris Games berth after prevailing in the Asian Olympic Games qualifier, having dropped down to the 50kg category. Vinesh beat Republic of Korea's Miran Cheon 10-0 through technical superiority in the qualifier.
Vinesh stuns Yui Susaki at 2024 Paris Games
Vinesh opened her account at the 2024 Paris Olympics after stunning Japan's Yui Susaki. Vinesh's win over Susaki is deemed one of the biggest upsets in wrestling as she became the first-ever international wrestler to defeat Susaki. The latter had an 82-0 international record before this match. The Indian wrestler then overcame Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the quarter-finals.
