Why Vinesh Phogat is favourite to win Olympic gold after historic win over Yui Susaki

In a remarkable turn of events at the Paris Olympics, India’s Vinesh Phogat pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Japan’s defending Olympic champion, Yui Susaki, in the Round of 16 bout of the women’s 50kg wrestling category. This win has not only catapulted Phogat into the spotlight but also positioned her as a favourite to win the gold medal.

Match Dynamics: Vinesh Phogat vs Yui Susaki

Vinesh Phogat began the bout on a cautious note against her high-profile opponent, who has been nearly unbeatable in the circuit.

Trailing 0-2 for the majority of the clash due to passivity points, Vinesh managed to clinch a late takedown with only 20 seconds to spare, denying Susaki a chance to defend her Olympic title. This thrilling finish showcased Phogat’s resilience and strategic brilliance, marking one of the greatest upsets in Olympic wrestling history.

Overcoming Past Disappointments ft Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat’s previous Olympic campaigns in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 ended in disappointment, with 10th and 9th place finishes, respectively.

After competing in the 53kg category in the previous Games, she made the strategic decision to trim down to the 50kg category for Paris 2024. This move has proven to be pivotal, as it allowed her to focus on a weight class where she could leverage her strengths more effectively.

Vinesh Phogat on facing Next Challenge

Following her victory over Yui Susaki, Vinesh Phogat is set to face Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarter-final. Livach, a seasoned competitor, clinched the 50kg bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and won gold at the 2019 European Championships. This upcoming match will be another test of Phogat’s capabilities, but her recent victory has undoubtedly boosted her confidence and chances.

Yui Susaki achievements and dominance on mat

Yui Susaki, a formidable opponent, had an impeccable record leading up to this bout. She won gold at the Tokyo Games without dropping a single point across four bouts and has only lost five matches since 2010.

Yui Susaki’s accolades include World Championship gold medals in 2017 (48kg), 2019, 2022, and 2023. Phogat’s victory over such a dominant wrestler is not just a personal triumph but a significant moment in Olympic wrestling history.

She boasts an 82-0 international record, and in the last ten years has outscored opponents 733-34.

This is Susaki’s first loss ever in 95 matches against non-Japanese opponents.

Yui Susaki: A Wrestling Dominator

• Olympic Champion: Gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics without conceding a single point.
• World Champion: Five-time World Champion (2017, 2018, 2022, 2023).
• Undefeated Streak: Remarkable record with only five losses since 2010.
• Technical Prowess: Renowned for her exceptional technical skills and tactical acumen.
• Dominant Force: Considered a dominant force in the women’s 50kg weight category.

Tactical Mastery of Vinesh Phogat

Throughout the match, Vinesh Phogat remained on the defensive, allowing Susaki to score both points from the activity clock. With the clock running down, Phogat shifted gears, going on the offensive and managing to knock Susaki off balance, securing a critical takedown with just five seconds left. Despite a challenge from Japan, the takedown stood, and Susaki was eliminated.

Road ahead for Vinesh Phogat

As Vinesh Phogat advances to the next round, her historic win over Susaki has made her a favourite to win gold. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and execute a winning strategy in the final moments of the match speaks volumes about her skill and determination. The wrestling community and fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as Phogat continues her quest for Olympic glory.

Vinesh Phogat’s victory over Yui Susaki is a testament to her dedication and strategic prowess. With the odds now in her favour, Phogat is poised to potentially secure an Olympic gold medal, marking a historic achievement for herself and Indian wrestling.

As she prepares for her next bout, the nation and her supporters are filled with hope and anticipation, believing that this could indeed be Phogat’s time to shine on the world stage.