Who is Vinesh Phogat? Defeats Yui Susaki to Advance to the Quarter-Finals

In a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, India's Vinesh Phogat has just pulled off what many would consider a miracle on the wrestling mat. The 29-year-old grappler from Haryana has stunned the wrestling world by defeating Olympic champion and three-time world gold medallist Yui Susaki in the women's freestyle 50kg round of 16 match, securing her place in the quarter-finals. With this victory, Vinesh Phogat has become the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic finals in wrestling.

Vinesh Phoghat Defeats Yui Susaki

Phogat, known for her aggressive style, surprised spectators by adopting a defensive stance against the formidable Susaki. The Indian wrestler's caution was understandable; after all, she was facing the reigning Olympic champion and a dominating force in the 50kg category.

The early moments of the bout saw Phogat receive a warning for passivity, handing Susaki an easy point. But Phogat's defence held strong, even as the Japanese wrestler attempted to attack her leg. The Indian's evasive manoeuvres kept her in the game, frustrating Susaki's attempts to score.

As the clock ticked down, it seemed the match might slip away from Phogat. Susaki had earned another point for Phogat's passivity, but the Indian wrestler had a trick up her sleeve. In a breathtaking turn of events, Phogat managed to pin down her opponent in the dying minutes of the match, earning two crucial points. She then added one more to seal her victory, leaving the wrestling community and the whole nation in awe.

Vinesh Phoghat Early Life and Education

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Born on August 25, 1994, in Haryana, Phogat comes from a family where wrestling runs in the blood. She is the daughter of wrestler Rajpal Phogat and cousin to the famous Phogat sisters, Geeta and Babita, whose story inspired the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Dangal.’

Growing up, Vinesh and her family faced societal pressure to allow their daughters to pursue wrestling, a sport traditionally dominated by men in India. But the Phogats persevered, paving the way for a new generation of female wrestlers in the country.

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Vinesh Phogat married fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee on December 13, 2018, after knowing him since 2011. Both Vinesh and Somvir, who work for the Indian Railways, met and developed their relationship there.

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Vinesh Phoghat Wrestling Career

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Phogat's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold medals at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Her prowess on the mat earned her the distinction of being the only Indian woman wrestler to have won multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships.

But success didn't come without its share of heartbreaks. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear threatened to end her career prematurely. Yet, Phogat's indomitable spirit saw her through this dark phase, and she returned to the mat stronger than ever.

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Vinesh Phogat is not just a wrestler; she is also a champion for athletes' rights in India. In 2023, she played a leading role in the Indian wrestlers' protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of harassment within the Wrestling Federation of India. Phogat demanded accountability and better treatment for athletes.

With this stunning victory over Yui Susaki, Vinesh Phogat has once again proven why she's considered one of the best in the business.

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