Vinesh Phogat Shines in Paris Olympics, Nisha Dahiya's Campaign Ends

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat defeated top seed Yui Susaki to advance to the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Nisha Dahiya's campaign ended after losing to North Korea's Pak Sol Gum. Six Indian wrestlers are competing, including Olympians Vinesh and newcomers like Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik.

Indian wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat delivered a stunning performance in her Paris Olympics campaign. She defeated the top seed and Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the women's 50kg freestyle round of 16 match on Tuesday. Susaki led 1-0 at the end of the first period, but Vinesh made a remarkable comeback in the second period to secure a 3-2 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Next, Vinesh will face Ukraine's Oksana Livach, the 2019 European Champion, in the quarterfinals. Susaki is not only the defending Olympic champion but also a three-time world champion in the 50kg freestyle category and the current Asian level champion.

Nisha Dahiya's Paris Olympics campaign ended in the quarterfinals of the women's 68kg competition. She lost 8-10 to North Korea's Pak Sol Gum after leading 8-2 but had to take medical timeouts due to injury. Sol Gum capitalized on this to make a strong comeback. In the round of 16, Nisha had defeated Tetiana Sova 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.

A total of six Indian wrestlers are competing at the Paris Olympics from August 5 to 11. Vinesh Phogat, a two-time Olympian, will compete in the women's 50kg category. Antim Panghal, bronze medalist at the Asian Games, will debut in the women's 53kg category. Commonwealth Games silver medallist Anshu Malik (women's 57kg) and U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg) are also making their Olympic debuts. Aman Sehrawat, an Asian Games bronze medalist, will represent India in men's 57kg freestyle wrestling.

India has secured seven wrestling medals at the Olympics: two silver and five bronze medals. Representing India in Paris 2024 are Aman Sehrawat, Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, and Reetika Hooda.