Star grappler Vinesh Phogat enters maiden Olympic semi-final

NEW DELHI: Seasoned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat advanced to her first Olympic semifinals in the 50kg category on Tuesday. She achieved this feat by securing impressive wins against the defending champion from Japan, Yui Susaki, and a higher-ranked opponent from Ukraine, Oksana Livach at Paris Games.
In a closely contested quarterfinal match, the 29-year-old Vinesh overcame Livach, who had previously won the European championship and a bronze medal at the 2018 world championship, with a score of 7-5.
This victory brings her one step closer to claiming an Olympic medal that has eluded her in her previous two attempts, PTI reported.

Prior to her quarterfinal success, Vinesh had already caused the biggest upset in the wrestling competition at the current Games. She stunned the four-time world champion and current gold-medallist, Yui Susaki of Japan, by defeating her on points in the pre-quarterfinal round.
In the later part of the day, Vinesh is set to face off against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez from Cuba in the semifinals. A victory will guarantee her a minimum of a silver medal, whereas a defeat will place her in the bronze medal match.
Vinesh's day began with a match against Susaki, where she initially fell behind 0-2 due to passivity penalties. However, the Indian wrestler staged a remarkable comeback in the final five seconds, securing a takedown and three points to emerge victorious with a score of 3-2 against the top-seeded opponent.

Vinesh displayed a more confident performance against Livach, securing a 2-0 advantage in the opening round and maintaining her lead throughout the match. Despite Livach's efforts to close the gap to 5-4, Vinesh remained composed and managed to stay ahead.
In her two prior Olympic appearances, Vinesh had been unable to secure a medal.
Vinesh's impressive collection of medals includes three Commonwealth Games golds, an Asian Games title, eight Asian Championship medals, and two World Championship bronzes. However, Olympic success has eluded her in both Rio and Tokyo.
"It's a miracle, no less than a miracle what Vinesh has done today. It was such a sad Monday due to Nisha's injury but Vinesh has lightened up the day," India's national coach Virender Dahiya said before leaving for Anitm Panghal's draw.
The celebration wasn't limited to the Indian camp; wrestlers in Susaki's half of the draw were also relieved that the formidable obstacle had been removed.
"With the world champion out, I thought I will now have a better chance. Vinesh was very strong, I tried to fight but I made a few mistakes," said Livach after her close 5-7 defeat against Vinesh.