In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, India’s Vinesh Phogat pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Japan’s defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki in the Round of 16 of the women’s 50kg wrestling category on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old Phogat, who has previously had underwhelming Olympic campaigns, showcased her resilience and determination in a thrilling bout. Trailing 0-2 for the majority of the match, Vinesh secured a last-minute takedown with only 20 seconds left, clinching a 3-2 victory over her high-profile opponent. Susaki, considered nearly unbeatable in the wrestling circuit, was denied a gold medal opportunity by Phogat’s remarkable comeback.
Having competed in the 53kg category in previous Olympics, Vinesh decided to trim down to the 50kg category for this year’s Games, a decision that proved advantageous in her battle against Susaki. Vinesh’s journey in the Paris Olympics continues as she is set to face Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarter-final later this evening. Livach, 27, is a formidable opponent, having clinched the 50kg bronze medal in the 2018 World Championships and gold in the 2019 European Championship.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Susaki, who won gold at the Tokyo Games without dropping a single point across four bouts, experienced a rare defeat. With only five losses in her wrestling career since 2010, Susaki’s record includes World Championship golds in 2017 (48kg), 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Vinesh Phogat’s victory marks a significant milestone in her Olympic journey and sets the stage for an exciting progression in the Paris Games.
