Vinesh Phogat. She is a prominent Indian wrestler and a member of the famous Phogat wrestling family, which has produced several notable female wrestlers. Vinesh is the cousin of Geeta and Babita Phogat, both of whom are celebrated wrestlers. Vinesh has won multiple international medals, including gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Vinesh’s career has been marked by resilience and determination. She faced significant adversity, including a severe knee injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics, which required surgery and a long recovery period. Despite these challenges, she returned to the sport and continued to perform at the highest level.
Off the mat, Vinesh has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, particularly in the world of sports. Her involvement in the protests against the Wrestling Federation of India’s former president was a courageous stand against the sexual harassment of women wrestlers, and it brought significant attention to the issues of safety and dignity for women athletes in India.
Vinesh’s achievements have made her a role model for young athletes in India, and her story is one of perseverance, courage, and unwavering commitment to her sport and her principles.
Win over Yui Susaki
Vinesh Phogat’s victory over Yui Susaki at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a momentous upset in the world of wrestling. Susaki, a Japanese wrestling legend with an unbeaten streak of 95 international matches, was heavily favored to win. Known for her agility, speed, and strength, Susaki had dominated the sport for years, winning titles at every level from under-17 to the Olympics. The Paris Olympics were supposed to be another triumph in her illustrious career. However, Phogat, an unseeded underdog in the 50 kg category, shattered these expectations with a meticulously executed game plan and an indomitable spirit.
Phogat’s journey to this victory was fraught with challenges beyond the wrestling mat. In the year leading up to the Olympics, she was at the forefront of protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment. Phogat and other women wrestlers demanded justice and accountability, risking their careers to take on the powerful establishment. This intense period of activism took a toll on her preparation, and her return to competitive wrestling seemed uncertain. Yet, Phogat’s determination to fight for her rights and her honor fueled her comeback.
The match against Susaki was a tactical masterpiece. Phogat and her Hungarian coach, Woller Akos, devised a plan to neutralize Susaki’s strengths by keeping the scores close and launching a surprise counterattack in the final seconds. For nearly six minutes, Phogat defended against Susaki’s aggressive moves, cleverly evading her attacks and maintaining her distance. Though Phogat was penalized two points for being overly defensive, her strategy paid off when, with only 10 seconds left, she launched a powerful attack that caught Susaki off guard. The move earned Phogat two points for a high-point takedown, resulting in a 2-2 tie, but the criteria favored Phogat for her decisive move.
The victory was not just a personal triumph for Phogat but also a moment of vindication for the struggles she had endured. As Susaki, stunned and tearful, exited the arena, Phogat celebrated quietly, knowing the significance of her achievement. Her win has shaken the wrestling world, highlighting her resilience and strategic brilliance. It was a victory forged not just in the gym but in the crucible of activism and adversity, making Phogat’s journey to an Olympic medal even more extraordinary.
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