Vinesh Phogat has created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. In a stunning display of skill and determination, Phogat dominated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the freestyle 50kg semifinals, winning 5-0. This victory secures her a place in the gold medal match, scheduled for Wednesday.
Fellow wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, India’s only other woman wrestler to have won an Olympic medal, expressed her immense pride and joy over Phogat’s achievement. Taking to Twitter, now X, Malik wrote, “This is an emotional moment for me. Vinesh has reached the gold medal match.” She further added, “Today, a longstanding penance has borne fruit. Vinesh has fulfilled not only her dreams but also mine and those of crores of Indians.”
Malik, who won bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016 after overcoming a heartbreaking loss in the quarterfinals, acknowledged Phogat’s perseverance and the collective effort that led to this historic moment. “We are now assured of a medal. This win and the wishes for it must go to her and everyone who stood by us all along,” she concluded in her post.
Both Phogat and Malik have been vocal advocates for change in Indian wrestling, having participated in protests against the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport have earned them immense respect and admiration, making their achievements even more significant.
