Vinesh Phogat has made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Despite the odds stacked against her, she has delivered a series of stunning performances at the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat’s journey to the final in the women’s 50kg freestyle category has been both remarkable and deeply personal.
A Historic Achievement
Phogat, who was not favored to win, has defied expectations. Known for her impressive achievements, including two World Championships and multiple medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games, Phogat faced the reigning Olympic champion, Yui Susaki, in her opening match. In a surprising turn of events, she defeated Susaki 3-2 and has since advanced to the final.
A Personal Battle
Phogat’s motivation extends beyond the quest for gold. Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, including a devastating defeat at the Tokyo Olympics and subsequent controversies with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The struggles led her to contemplate quitting wrestling, but she chose to fight back, both in court and on the mat.
Vinesh’s Statement
In an emotional revelation, Phogat shared her true motivation with Bajrang Punia, a fellow wrestler who supported her through a turbulent period. She stated, “I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers. Not for myself, my career is done and this is my last Olympics. I want to fight for the young women wrestlers who will come and fight for them so that they can wrestle safely. That’s why I was in Jantar Mantar, and that’s why I am here.”
Upcoming Final
Phogat will face American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold-medal match on Wednesday. With this final bout, Vinesh Phogat aims to not only secure a gold medal but also champion a cause close to her heart.
Schedule for Day 12
Here’s a look at the complete schedule for Day 12 of the Paris Olympics:
- 11:00 AM: Suraj Panwar/Priyanka Goswami in Marathon Race Walk Relay Mixed Final
- 12:30 PM: Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar in Women’s Individual Stroke Play Round 1 (Golf)
- 1:30 PM: India (Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, Archana Girish Kamath) vs Germany in Women’s Team Quarterfinal (Table Tennis)
- 1:35 PM: Sarvesh Anil Kushare in Men’s High Jump Qualification Group B (Athletics)
- 1:45 PM: Jyothi Yarraji in Women’s 100m Hurdles Round 1 Heat 4 (Athletics)
- 1:55 PM: Annu Rani in Women’s Javelin Throw Qualification (Athletics)
- 2:30 PM: Antim Panghal vs Zeynep Yetgil (Türkiye) in Women’s Freestyle 53kg Round of 16 (Wrestling)
- 4:20 PM: Antim Panghal in Women’s Freestyle 53kg Quarterfinal (If qualified) (Wrestling)
- 10:25 PM Onwards: Antim Panghal in Women’s Freestyle 53kg Semifinal (If qualified) (Wrestling)
- 10:45 PM: Praveen Chithravel (Group A) and Abdulla Narangolintevida (Group B) in Men’s Triple Jump Qualification (Athletics)
- 11:00 PM: Mirabai Chanu in Women’s 49kg (Weightlifting)
- 12:30 AM Onwards: Vinesh Phogat vs Sarah Ann Hildebrandt (USA) in Women’s Freestyle 50kg Gold Medal Match (Wrestling)
- 1:13 AM: Avinash Sable in Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final (Athletics)