Vinesh Phogat has made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. The Haryana-born grappler’s journey to the Paris Olympics final has been nothing short of inspirational, especially considering the challenges she faced in recent months.
A defiant post by Vinesh from earlier this year has now gone viral, as if foreshadowing her incredible achievement. The wrestler had faced intense criticism and scrutiny during her battle against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite the adversity, she persevered and delivered a resounding response on the Olympic mat.
Phogat’s path to the final was nothing short of spectacular. She stunned defending Olympic and world champion Yui Susaki of Japan, ending the latter’s 82-match unbeaten streak. Subsequent victories over Ukraine’s Ostapenko Livach and Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez cemented her place in the gold medal match.
India is guaranteed its fourth medal at the Paris Olympics, and Vinesh is on the cusp of delivering the nation’s first-ever gold in wrestling. Her opponent in the final will be the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
As Vinesh stands on the brink of history, the nation is united in support, cheering for her to clinch the coveted gold medal.