Vinesh Phogat delivered a stunning performance by defeating the reigning World No. 1 Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics on August 6, 2024. The match was a closely contested bout in the women’s 50 kg category.
Susaki, a Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and five-time world champion, was a formidable opponent who had never lost in her international career until this match. Vinesh played defensively for most of the bout, conceding two points due to passivity penalties, and was trailing 2-0 as the match neared its end. In a dramatic turn of events, Vinesh executed a perfectly timed takedown in the final moments, scoring two points to level the score at 2-2. Susaki challenged the decision, but the review upheld Vinesh’s takedown, and she was awarded an additional point, securing a 3-2 victory.
This victory is particularly significant for Vinesh, who had to switch to the 50 kg category after her usual 53 kg category spot was secured by another Indian wrestler. Her strategic move paid off, leading to one of the biggest upsets of the Paris Games and advancing her to the quarter-finals.
