In a historic achievement for Indian wrestling, Vinesh Phogat has advanced to her maiden Olympic semifinals in the 50kg category at the Paris 2024 Games. The 29-year-old wrestler secured her spot in the semifinals after a hard-fought victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Vinesh triumphed with a 7-5 scoreline in a closely contested bout, bringing her one step closer to claiming an elusive Olympic medal. This success marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first time reaching the semifinals in what is her third Olympic appearance.

Earlier in the competition, Vinesh made headlines by pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the Games. She defeated the formidable Yui Susaki of Japan, a four-time world champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist, on points to secure her place in the quarterfinals. This victory not only showcased Vinesh’s skill and determination but also sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, highlighting her as a serious contender for the podium.

Vinesh’s journey at the Olympics has been a story of resilience and perseverance. After disappointing exits in the earlier rounds of the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she has now emerged stronger, displaying a tenacity that has brought her within striking distance of Olympic glory.

The entire nation watches with bated breath as Vinesh Phogat prepares for her semifinal bout, with hopes pinned on her to bring home a much-coveted Olympic medal in wrestling.