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Indian wrestling great Vinesh Phogat registered a 5-0 win against Yusneylys Guzmán of Cuba in the semi-final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category and secured a medal for India at the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat qualified for the semis after a 7-5 win against Okasana Livach in the quarterfinal. The 29-year-old created history by defeating Japan’s defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki in their opening bout.
Competing at the Grand Palais Éphémère, Phogat started the fight with an aggressive approach but the Cuban ensured no points for her opponent. But the 29-year-old from India took her first point after Guzmán failed to score in the 30-second period after a passivity warning. Phogat entered the 3-minute break with this lead.
After the interval, Phogat got a passivity warning of her own and in the next 30 seconds took four more points with a takedown and by turning her opponent. The Indian surged ahead and bravely defended her 5-0 lead to enter the semi-final and guarantee a medal for India.
India’s reigning Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra congratulated and lauded Vinesh Phogat and wished her the best for upcoming bouts in the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat registered a historic win over reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki to enter the quarterfinals.
Speaking about her monumental effort, Neeraj Chopra 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!"
