Credits: X
India’s reigning Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra congratulated and lauded wrestler Vinesh Phogat and wished her the best for upcoming bouts in Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat registered a historic win over reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki to make her way through to the quarterfinals of the 50kg freestyle category in Summer Games 2024. In her round of 16, Phogat stunned the world number 1 in the final seconds to register match winning points and advance to the next round with the scoreline of 3-2.
Not only this, but Phogat also went on to win against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach to further moved to the semi-finals on the same day. Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, sealed his spot in the finals of men’s javelin throw event. Chopra not only secured his final berth in his first throw but also recorded his season-best effort of 89.34m.
After making it to the next round, where Neeraj will aim to defend his gold, he heaped praise on Vinesh for her sensational win over the world ranked 1 wrestler. He said, "This is extraordinary. To beat Susaki is unreal. The effort that she (Vinesh Phogat) has shown after what she has gone through is incredible. All the best to her!"
It is to be noted that Chopra competed in Qualification Group B after Julian Weber from Germany topped Group A with the throw of 87.76m. Phogat, on the other hand, is set to compete against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez from Cuba in the semifinals on Tuesday, August 6, in her maiden Olympics semi-final.
