Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday secured her spot in the Paris Olympics semi-finals by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach with a score of 7-5.
At 29-years-old, Vinesh Phogat’s win over Livach brings her closer to winning an Olympic medal in her third attempt.
Earlier in the day, Phogat made history by defeating Yui Susaki of Japan, the four-time defending World champion, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 50kg wrestling category at the ongoing Paris Olympics.
During the match, Vinesh was initially cautious, trying to unsettle Susaki with occasional moves. She conceded a point for passivity at the end of the first round and nearly lost her footing. In the second round, she continued with the same tactics and fell behind 0-2 after another passivity point.
Just when it seemed like the match was slipping away, Vinesh made a last-minute takedown, pushing Susaki out of the mat and pinning her for two points. An emotional Vinesh ran to her corner, hugged her coach Woller Akos, and celebrated with a powerful shout.
The Japanese team challenged the decision, but the challenge was unsuccessful. Vinesh was awarded an additional point, making the final score 3-2 in her favor.
Following the match, Phogat was visibly emotional and in tears. Her victory over Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion who had never lost an international match before, is a major milestone in Phogat’s wrestling career.
