Vinesh Phogat's Stunning Olympic Semifinal Run

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat advanced to her first Olympic semifinals in the 50kg category with unexpected victories over defending champion Yui Susaki and Ukrainian Oksana Livach. The 29-year-old is now closer than ever to securing an Olympic medal after two unsuccessful attempts.

Seasoned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has entered her maiden Olympic semifinals in the 50kg category after securing stunning victories over defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan and higher-ranked Ukrainian Oksana Livach.

The 29-year-old Vinesh defeated Livach, a former European champion and 2018 world championship bronze-medallist, in a hard-fought quarterfinal bout, moving a step closer to an elusive Olympic medal in her third attempt.

Phogat upset four-time world champion and reigning gold-medallist Yui Susaki on points in the pre-quarterfinals, causing the biggest wrestling upset in the ongoing Games.

In the evening, Vinesh will face Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals. A win will guarantee her at least a silver medal, while a loss will position her for the bronze medal playoff.

The day started with Phogat trailing 0-2 against Susaki due to penalty points for passivity. However, she made a brilliant comeback in the last five seconds to clinch a 3-2 victory. Against Livach, Vinesh displayed a more assured performance, initially leading 2-0 and maintaining her advantage to close the match at 7-5.

Vinesh had previously failed to win a medal in her two Olympic appearances but is now determined to break the streak.