Vinesh Phogat has made history by becoming India’s first woman wrestler to enter the finals of the Olympic Games. On Tuesday, Vinesh showcased her indomitable spirit and tactical brilliance in the women’s 50kg freestyle category, overcoming reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki and others to reach the final.
Despite being India’s most accomplished woman wrestler, Vinesh faced skepticism as she entered the Paris Olympics. Her stunning 3-2 victory over Susaki, world No. 1, in the opening tie left spectators and opponents astounded. Vinesh continued her remarkable run by defeating 2018 European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine and Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba to secure a place in the gold-medal match.
What drives Vinesh is not just personal glory but a larger cause. After a crushing defeat and subsequent suspension at the Tokyo Games, she faced allegations of misconduct. She later accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief of sexual misconduct, leading a protest for safer conditions for future wrestlers. Despite the off-field turmoil, Vinesh returned stronger, qualifying for her third straight Olympics in the 50kg category.
Speaking to ESPN, Bajrang Punia, Tokyo Games bronze medallist, revealed Vinesh’s motivation: “She told me, ‘I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers. Not for myself, my career is done, and this is my last Olympics. I want to fight for the young women wrestlers who will come and fight for them so that they can wrestle safely.'”
Vinesh will compete against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold-medal match on Wednesday, aiming to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women wrestlers.
