Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s uncle Mahaveer Singh Phogat was ecstatic after his niece booker her berth for the final of the women’s freestyle 50kg at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday, August 6.
Phogat qualified for her maiden Olympic final and assured India of their fourth medal by defeating Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba in the semifinal bout. The 29-year-old scripted history by becoming the Indian first woman wrestler and second after retired grappler Sushil Kumar to qualify for the final at the Olympics.
With her qualification to the women’s wrestling final, Vinesh Phogat has ensured of at least a silver medal. As soon as Phogat secured her berth for the final, Mahaveer Singh Phogat and his neighbours residing in his village erupted in joy and distributed sweets to celebrate the historic achievement . The video of the same was posted by ANI on its X handle (formerly Twitter).
#WATCH | Charkhi Dadri, Haryana: Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s uncle Mahavir Phogat and villagers at village Balai celebrate as Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat enters Finals #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/ouxE2w59S3
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2024
Vinesh Phogat quest for the gold medal began with a win over reigning Olympic and World no.1 Yui Susaki of Japan in pre-quarters and qualified for the quarterfinals. It was one of the biggest upsets in the history of wrestling as Vinesh became the wrestler to defeat Susaki at international level. Before facing Indian grappler, Yui Susaki remained unbeaten in 82 international matches.
In the quarterfinals, Vinesh registered 7-5 win over Oksana Livach of Ukraine, which helped her book a berth for the semifinal clash against Yusneylys Guzman, who she defeated 5-0. The Balali-born grappler will take on Tokyo Olympics Bronze medalist Sarah Hildebrandt in the final.
