Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat advanced to the quarterfinal of the women's freestyle 50kg after registering a 3-2 upset win over four-time world champion Japan's Yui Susaki in the pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics, here on Tuesday.
Phogat was trailing 0-1 after the first period but turned the tide in her favour in the final 30 seconds with a 2 pointer. The Indian was defensive in most of the match but she applied herself fully in the latter stage to clinch a victory at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.
Vinesh will now play in the quarterfinal against Ukaraine's Oksana Livach later in the day.
Susaki is the reigning world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist. She is the undisputed queen in the women's 50 kg freestyle and won the gold medal in Tokyo without dropping a single point.
Notably, since 2010 Susaki had lost only five bouts.
Vinesh, on the other hand, is participating in her third Olympics. She narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics because of an injury. In the Tokyo Olympics, she lost to Vanesa Kaladzinskaya in the 53kg quarterfinal. Her stay in the tournament came to an end after Kaladzinskaya lost in the semi-final, ending repechage hopes for the Indian.
In the past, Vinesh has participated in 48 kg and 53 kg weight categories. This time in Paris, she is taking part in 50 kg for the first time.
Former India captain MS Dhoni inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter and former captain MS Dhoni has been inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame, marking another glorious chapter in his storied cricket career.
Police complaint lodged against Virat Kohli over Bengaluru stampede tragedy
A police complaint has been lodged against cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday in Bengaluru in connection with the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during a felicitation programme for RCB, which claimed 11 lives.
New FBM rule introduced as over 500 kabaddi players set to go under the hammer in PKL 12 auction
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 player auction, set to take place on May 31 and June 1 with top Indian and international kabaddi stars going under the hammer, sees exciting changes, including an updated Final Bid Match (FBM) rule and features a star-studded player pool with over 500 athletes available for bidding.
Hockey India names 24-member men's team for FIH Hockey Pro League European leg
Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian men’s team for the European leg of FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, which is scheduled to take place in Amstelveen, the Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium from June 7 to 22.
IPL 2025 suspended for one week, new schedule and venues to be announced in due course: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the IPL 2025 has been suspended with immediate effect, albeit for one week in the wake of the India-Pakistan border tensions.
IPL 2025 suspended indefinitely, BCCI cites national interest: Sources
Amid the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has decided to suspend the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season indefinitely in an emergency meeting on Friday, sources told IANS.
IPL 2025: Match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals called off in Dharamshala
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals has been called off at the HPCA Stadium on Thursday as a precautionary measure, said IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal
Sudirman Cup Finals: Dhruv-Tanisha impress, Sindhu loses as India lose to Indonesia
The rising mixed doubles combination of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto showcased their prowess with a come-from-behind win to give the team a strong start, but India could not avoid a 1-4 loss against Indonesia in their second Group D match in the BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 here on Tuesday.