Vinesh’s marketing campaign on the Paris Video games started with an achievement that no different wrestler had completed earlier than. She was pitted towards Japanese grappler Yui Susaki within the Spherical of 16 who by no means tasted a defeat on the worldwide degree.
Vinesh, nevertheless, had a unique plan as she precipitated probably the most beautiful upset of the Olympic Video games by bringing an finish to the undefeated streak of Sasaki, the world’s top-ranked wrestler and the defending Olympic gold medalist, which had spanned a formidable 82 matches.
Within the first six minutes, the wrestling neighborhood was left surprised by her efficiency. Nevertheless, within the following six minutes, she confronted off towards Oksana Livach of Ukraine, the 2018 European champion. It was throughout this significant interval that she really showcased her distinctive abilities and left little doubt about her superiority.
Within the remaining six minutes of the day towards Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, she demonstrated her distinctive tactical prowess as soon as once more. Like a talented predator, she patiently waited for her opponent to make a single error that will permit her to safe a single-leg maintain.
Her strategic method and skill to capitalize on her opponent’s errors had been on full show throughout these essential moments. The match served as one other testomony to her unparalleled experience within the sport.
The 29-year-old from Haryana recorded 5-Zero over Guzman Lopez within the semifinals to be assured of at the least a silver in her third Olympic outing.
After her victory towards Susaki, she let loose a cry of reduction, laying flat on her again. Nevertheless, probably the most poignant second got here when she reached the ultimate, together with her teary-eyed Belgian coach, Woller Akos – who has been her confidant all through this journey – by her aspect.
Phogat will wrestle towards American Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal on Wednesday. Hildebrandt defeated Mongolia’s Otgonjargal Dolgorjav 5-Zero within the different semifinal.
