'Coming for that medal': Social media celebrates as Vinesh Phogat triumphs over defending champion Yui Susaki
Phogat's victory was a surprise, with many predicting her as a favorite to win bronze. However, she not only defeated the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, but also defeated Ukraine's Oksana Livach 7-5 in the quarterfinals, earning her first Olympic semi-final spot.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat delivered a stunning performance that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Facing Yui Susaki, the top seed and reigning Tokyo 2020 champion, Phogat pulled off an incredible comeback in the women's 50kg freestyle round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Vinesh Phogat defeats World No. 1 Yui Susaki of Japan
byu/ProfessionalMobile54 inindiansports
Dramatic turnaround against top seed
The match seemed to be slipping away for Phogat as Susaki took a 2-0 lead and appeared to have the game under control. However, in the final seconds of the second round, Phogat unleashed a surprise move that caught Susaki off guard, turning the tide in a thrilling round. Phogat won 3-2, a result that still stands even after Susaki appealed the decision through review. The judges confirmed the result in Phogat's favor, marking one of the most significant victories of his career.
What a stunning victory snatched by @Phogat_Vinesh from jaws of defeat against defending Olympics Champion Y Susaki just a few seconds before the hooter. Feel very happy for Vinesh as besides marching to 1/4 finals, she stands vindicated against @b_bhushansharan.
¡ª Sanjeev Gupta (@sanjg2k1) August 6, 2024
@BajrangPunia pic.twitter.com/yqSOEVRAPv
Phogat's victory was a surprise, with many predicting her as a favorite to win bronze. However, she not only defeated the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, but also defeated Ukraine's Oksana Livach 7-5 in the quarterfinals, earning her first Olympic semi-final spot. The Indian wrestler's victory left fans and commentators in awe, with social media flooded with praise for her tenacity and talent.
Here's how internet reacted to this special moment:
#Paris2024 #Olympics #Wrestling
¡ª Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 6, 2024
VINESH PHOGAT TAKES DOWN YUI SUSAKI! The commentator says it like it is. The shock of all shocks.
After everything she's gone through at the last 2 Olympics & the 2 last years, what a win.
Tears. https://t.co/KsiPkBxE46 pic.twitter.com/tDTGU16G6b
UNBELIEVABLLLEEEEE! Vinesh Phogat has defeated the Tokyo Olympics GOLD medalist.
¡ª Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 6, 2024
WE AREEEEEE COMING FOR THAT MEDAL. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/N75pnaxp7D
VINESH PHOGAT DEFEATS YUI SUSAKI, who lost like 3 games in her entire career. Our girl just pulled off an upset of epic proportions, THIS IS HUGE. LET'S GO ????#Wrestling #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/iXj1kgSwVg
¡ª sohom (@AwaaraHoon) August 6, 2024
Rio Olympic injury heartbreak ? se
¡ª Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) August 6, 2024
Number 1 wrestler ko haarna ?
Well done Vinesh Phogat ??#wrestling medal ayega lag raha hai Prabhu pic.twitter.com/XehKNL5iTV
THE EMOTIONS OF VINESH PHOGAT. ?
¡ª Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 6, 2024
- She has done the Miracle in Wrestling in Paris Olympics.....!!!!! pic.twitter.com/lz5Vg3iIX9
Vinesh phogat opponent only used to deal in golds before she faced Vinesh ? pic.twitter.com/P78MMAJJ4w
¡ª Pushkar (@musafir_hu_yar) August 6, 2024
Vinesh Phogat beats the Number 1 Japanese Yui Susaki who didn¡¯t drop a single point on the way to Tokyo Games Gold!!! Biggest individual upset of this Olympics from India ???
¡ª Anant Tyagi (@anantyagi_) August 6, 2024
Wow wow wow Vinesh PHOGAT you absolute super star! Beating the world number 1 and undefeated Japanese - let¡¯s get that GOLD @Paris2024
¡ª Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) August 6, 2024
Come onnnn!!! Vinesh beats Oksana Livach of Ukraine 7-5 to move into semis!!! ?? #wrestling #Paris2024
¡ª Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 6, 2024
Vinesh reaches the semi final of the Women's 50kg category.
¡ª Pritish Raj (@befikramusafir) August 6, 2024
She defeats Oskana Livach of Ukraine.
Good save in the end by Vinesh and she wins 9-7.
Absolutely brilliant #wrestling #Vinesh #Paris2024 #IndiaAtParis24
Phogat's journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. Over the past year and a half, she has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of creating obstacles to prevent her from qualifying for the Olympics, citing issues with her support team and certification. The WFI has denied the allegations, blaming the delay on a late request.
The wrestling icon also expressed concerns about the possibility of sabotage, alleging that some of the WFI-appointed coaches might try to frame her in a doping case. Reflecting on these challenges, she posted on her X (formerly Twitter) page: ¡°Brij Bhushan and her model Sanjay Singh are trying everything to stop me from participating in the Olympics.
Also Read: How 'Eric the Eel' overcame a near-drowning experience to become an Olympic symbol of perseverance
Her struggles extend beyond the mat, as she has been at the forefront of a protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. After Singh was granted bail, Phogat questioned whether her current difficulties are a result of speaking out: "Will we face politics even before we go to play for the country because we raised our voice against sexual harassment?"
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Kumar Debvrat is a copyeditor at Indiatimes. He writes about trending topics in India, from human-interest stories to cricket. He has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.