Phogat Sets Record for Most Olympic Appearances by Female Indian Wrestler
In a landmark achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh Phogat has secured her place in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, marking a historic moment as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat triumphed over Cuba’s Yusleylis Guzman Lopez with a commanding 5-0 victory, setting up a championship showdown against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA.
Phogat’s Remarkable Path to the Final
Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Olympic final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier in the tournament, she made headlines by defeating the world No. 1 and defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16. She then secured a spot in the semifinals with a hard-fought win over Ukraine’s Oksana Livach before her decisive victory against Lopez Guzman.
This achievement represents Phogat’s third appearance at the Olympics, a milestone that sets a record for the most Olympic campaigns by a female Indian wrestler. Her path to the final has been paved with both personal and professional challenges, including significant protests and controversies surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Overcoming Challenges: A Timeline
Phogat’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges and milestones. In January 2023, she, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, protested against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar, accusing him of sexual abuse and intimidation. Their protest led to a meeting with then-Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who promised an investigation. By April 2023, after the WFI announced elections, Phogat paused her training in Sweden to continue protesting. In May 2023, the wrestlers were detained by Delhi Police during a march towards the new Parliament building and later immersed their medals in the Ganga in Haridwar. The protests continued until June 2023, when they were suspended following government assurances regarding the investigation and election process. Phogat’s challenges were compounded in August 2023 when she suffered a knee injury, leading to her withdrawal from the Asian Games and further tensions with Brij Bhushan. Despite these setbacks, she continued her fight and in December 2023, protested the election of Sanjay Singh as WFI president, returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, and witnessed Sakshi Malik’s retirement. In February 2024, Phogat won gold in the 55kg category at the nationals after the UWW lifted the suspension of the WFI. Her dedication was further demonstrated in March 2024 when she won in both the 50kg and 53kg categories at the Asian Wrestling Championships, leading to her securing a Paris Olympics quota in April 2024. Now, in August 2024, Phogat’s persistence and skill have brought her to the Olympic semifinals and final, ensuring a medal for India.
Phogat’s Resilience and Dedication
Vinesh Phogat’s remarkable journey to the Olympic final underscores her extraordinary resilience and dedication. Her performance at the Paris Olympics not only highlights her wrestling prowess but also her ability to overcome significant hurdles in her career. As she prepares for the final, Phogat’s story stands as a powerful testament to her perseverance and unwavering commitment to her sport.
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