New Delhi: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has stunned her rivals and advanced to the semi-finals in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category at the Paris Olympics. In a thrilling quarter-final match, Vinesh Phogat defeated Ukrainian wrestler Oksana Livach with a score of 7-5. Her semi-final bout is scheduled for tonight at 10:25 pm.
Unlike other sports, where reaching the semi-finals often guarantees a medal, wrestling follows different rules. In wrestling, medals are confirmed only for those who make it to the finals. The repechage system comes into play for the bronze medal. Here’s how it works: Wrestlers who lose in the pre-quarterfinals or later get a chance to return to the competition and compete for third place. To qualify for repechage, a wrestler’s opponent must be eliminated before reaching the final round. The losing semi-finalists don’t face each other but proceed directly to the bronze medal playoff. In each wrestling event, two bronze medals are awarded.
Indian wrestlers have previously won Olympic bronze medals through repechage. Sushil Kumar secured his first Olympic medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while Yogeshwar Dutt clinched bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. Sakshi Malik made history by winning India’s first bronze medal in women’s wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey has been remarkable. She caused a major upset by defeating defending champion Yuvi Susaki of Japan in Round 16. Trailing 0-2 in the last minute, Vinesh executed a strong move, turning defeat into victory with a 3-2 win. Notably, Vinesh is the first Indian female wrestler to win gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Her semifinal match promises more excitement as she faces tough competition. Yuvi Susaki, the reigning champion, and World number One wrestler, boasts four World Cup titles to her name. Vinesh’s journey is one of determination, skill, and resilience, and fans eagerly await her next bout on the Olympic stage.
