She fought on the streets against an “unfair system” without a care in the world and on Tuesday Vinesh Phogat also brought a lot of that panache to the mat, taking down one big name after another to become the first female fighter from India to enter the finals of the Olympic Games. The 29-year-old from Haryana defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals, where she used brains and brawn in equal measure to secure at least a silver in her third Olympic appearance.
This was after she was monkeyed on her debut in Rio 2016 and had a forgettable outing in Tokyo four years later.
“Tomorrow is an important day, so we will talk,” she told the waiting media before disappearing from view to prepare for her summit battle against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Watch: Vinesh Phogat holds back tears after winning semi-final
Glory is for those who captivate and dare!
Vinesh Phogat is on his way to the wrestling final #Paris2024!
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On the day, she defeated world No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Yui Sasaki during the final moments of the pre-quarterfinal bout, handing the Japanese legend his first defeat in 83 fights.
If the first six minutes were a shock to the wrestling world, the next six minutes against 2018 European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine were a reassurance of her class as she taunted her opponent exactly when she needed to.
The last six minutes of the day against Lopez were another masterclass in tactical acumen, where she was a tiger on the prowl, waiting for that mistake where she could hold her opponent with one leg.
It was a very lonely battle, as it was not just about beating your opponent on the mat, but also about fighting a much tougher battle off it.
Her character and credibility were questioned, and then there was knee surgery less than a year before the Olympics that left the Doubting Thomases wanting her to fail.
But for 18 minutes on Tuesday, Vinesh had no option to fail. After all, she came here as a representative of all those women who have been seriously wronged by the wrestling establishment.
When she beat Susaki, she let out a cry of relief, lying on her back, but when she entered the final, the most moving image was that of her teary-eyed Belgian coach Woller Akos, who was also her confidant in this battle. .
The last 18 months have been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the feisty lady, who has become the face of a protest against former All India Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing harassment allegations sexual.
Pulled by her hair at India Gate during the protest, she became the establishment’s proverbial enfant terrible. Her presentation on Tuesday is a slap to the mother who did not support her.
The semi-final saw Vinesh maintain her balance, not allowing the Cuban to catch her leg. Her feet were positioned perfectly to avoid any crunch.
A point gained for passivity in the first round helped her immensely, but she herself received a warning for not trying hard enough in the second round.
However, Vinesh perhaps loves being cornered and just like in the fight with Susaki, she fought back with a vengeance for Lopez’s right leg and pinned her down for two stitches and choked her with her leg to close out the fight.
With this, Vinesh has found his silver lining but is looking for a golden hue.
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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