Paris Olympics: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat beats Oksana Livach, reaches semi-finals
What's the story
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reached the semi-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old prevailed in the women's 50kg quarter-final, beating Oksana Livach of Ukraine. Vinesh claimed a 7-4 win in the quarter-final bout after claiming an early lead. Vinesh earlier defeated Yui Susaki, who entered as the defending gold medalist. The Japanese wrestler is also a four-time World Champion.
Quarter-final
Here's how Vinesh defeated Livach
Vinesh, who was rather defensive against the Japanese, displayed her attacking skills this time. With a fierce takedown, Vinesh raced to two points to claim an early lead. The Indian wrestler extended her lead to 4-0 following the break. While Vinesh added another point, the Livach opened her account with two points. A couple of more points helped Vinesh seal the semi-final berth.
Information
Vinesh stuns Japan's Yui Susaki
As mentioned, Vinesh earlier stunned Japan's Yui Susaki to reach the quarter-final. Susaki won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Indian wrestler claimed a 3-2 win in the R16 bout through a last-moment takedown.
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Vinesh's opponent in semi-final
Vinesh will lock horns with Cuba's Guzman Lopez in the women's 50kg semi-finals. Lopez defeated Lithuania's Gabija Dilyte 10-0, having won by technical superiority. Notably, Vinesh will feature in her maiden semi-finals at the Olympic Games.
Medal
Can Vinesh add an eighth medal?
It is worth noting that seven of India's Olympic medals have come in wrestling (two silver and five bronze). KD Jadhav was the first Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal. He won bronze way back in the 1952. Sushil Kumar (2008 and 2012), Yogeshwar Dutt (2012), Sakshi Malik (2016), Ravi Kumar Dahiya (2020), and Bajrang Punia (2020) are India's other medalists.