Vinesh Phogat scripts history; becomes first Indian woman wrestler to enter Olympics final

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 6, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

By advancing to the finals, Phogat has already secured a silver medal but will be striving for gold in the championship match.

Digital Desk: On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, following her 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the women's freestyle 50kg semifinal.

By advancing to the finals, Phogat has already secured a silver medal but will be striving for gold in the championship match. Earlier in the day, Phogat made headlines by defeating Ukraine's Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals, and earlier shocked the wrestling world by overcoming four-time world champion and reigning gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan. Despite trailing 0-2 due to penalty points for passivity, Phogat made a remarkable comeback in the final moments, scoring three points to win 3-2.

Phogat had previously been unable to secure a medal in her two prior Olympic appearances.

Challenges and Accusations Against WFI Phogat's path to this achievement has been fraught with challenges. Over the past year and a half, she accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of obstructing her Olympic qualifying efforts by creating logistical barriers for her support staff. The WFI has denied these allegations, stating that Phogat's application for her coach and physio’s accreditation was submitted after the deadline.

Concerns Over Doping and Safety Phogat has also expressed concerns about being ensnared in a doping scandal, alleging that some coaches appointed by the federation might be undermining her efforts. She has publicly accused WFI officials, such as Brij Bhushan and his associate Sanjay Singh, of trying to prevent her from competing in the Olympics. She has questioned the adequacy of the support she is receiving from the authorities, citing issues with the accreditation of her personal coach and physio.

Broader Struggles Phogat's challenges extend beyond her athletic career. She was a leading figure in a protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. Following Singh’s bail, Phogat has wondered whether her current difficulties are related to this protest. “Will we face political hurdles even before representing the country because we spoke out against sexual harassment?” she asked.

Phogat’s journey highlights her resilience and determination, as she has navigated numerous obstacles both on and off the mat.