Vinesh Phogat, India’s most accomplished female wrestler with two World Championships, three CWG, and eight Asian Championships medals, was not favored in the women’s 50kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite her impressive credentials, she faced the formidable world No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki in her opening match. Predictions favored Susaki to continue her unbeaten streak, while Vinesh was expected to use the repechage round to secure a bronze.
However, Vinesh surprised everyone with a 3-2 victory over Susaki and advanced comfortably to the final, making history as the first Indian woman to compete for Olympic gold in wrestling. Her remarkable run was driven not just by a desire to prove herself but by a larger cause.
In 2021 at the Tokyo Games, Vinesh faced a devastating defeat in the quarterfinals of the 53kg category and was later suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) amid accusations of misconduct. This off-field turmoil nearly led her to quit the sport. She subsequently fought against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual misconduct—a battle that continues in court. Unable to qualify in the 53kg category for Paris, Vinesh moved to the 50kg category to secure her spot in the Games for the third consecutive time.
On Day 11 of the Paris Games, Vinesh stunned Susaki with a late win in their pre-quarterfinal bout, ending Susaki’s 83-match unbeaten run. She then defeated 2018 European champion Oksana Livach and Cuban Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the quarters and semifinals, respectively, to guarantee at least a silver medal.
For Vinesh, this medal symbolizes a fight for the future of wrestling rather than personal achievement. She expressed her commitment to supporting young wrestlers through her struggles, as shared with Bajrang Punia. “I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers,” Vinesh told Punia, “so they can wrestle safely.”
Vinesh will compete against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold-medal match on Wednesday.
