Vinesh Phogat Stuns World Champion Yui Susaki to Reach Olympic Quarter-Finals
Paris: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat delivered a stunning performance by defeating four-time world champion and reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki of Japan on points to advance to the quarter-finals of the 50kg category at the Olympic Games on Tuesday.
Phogat’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks Susaki’s first-ever loss in her international career. Vinesh will face former European champion and 2018 world championship bronze medallist Oksana Livach of Ukraine later in the day.
Despite trailing 0-2 due to penalty points for passivity, Phogat mounted a dramatic comeback in the final seconds. She secured three points with a decisive takedown to win 3-2.
The 29-year-old Phogat, who had spent significant time away from wrestling last year leading a protest against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over sexual misconduct allegations, had previously failed to win medals in her two Olympic appearances.
Phogat began cautiously, attempting to unsettle Susaki with head pushes but conceded a point for passivity at the end of the first round. She continued with the same strategy into the second round, falling behind 0-2 after a second passivity point.
In a dramatic turn, Phogat executed a last-minute takedown, pushed Susaki out of the mat, and pinned her, earning two crucial points. Initially, the Japanese team challenged the decision, but it was upheld, and Phogat was awarded an additional point, finalizing the score at 3-2.
An emotional Phogat celebrated her victory by sprinting to her corner, embracing her coach Woller Akos, and letting out a triumphant war cry.
