Paris Olympics 2024: Grappler Vinesh Phogat enters maiden Olympic semifinal after defeating Ukraine's Livach

By Sunita Iyer  |  First Published Aug 6, 2024, 4:34 PM IST

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat secured her spot in the last-four stage by defeating Ukraine's Oksana Livach with a score of 7-5 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal match at the Paris Olympics 2024.


Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reached the semifinals of the 50kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, marking a significant achievement in her third Olympic attempt. On Tuesday, the 29-year-old Phogat secured her spot in the last four with remarkable victories over some of the sport's elite competitors.

Phogat's journey to the semifinals began with a major upset in the pre-quarterfinals, where she defeated four-time world champion and reigning gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan. Phogat overcame a 0-2 deficit, scoring three points in the final five seconds to win 3-2.

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Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: India lauds 'warrior' Vinesh Phogat's win over Susaki, emotional cry goes viral (WATCH)

🇮🇳🔥 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮𝘁! Vinesh Phogat was brilliant once again, defeating Oksana Livach in the quarter-final in the women's freestyle 50kg category. Oksana applied pressure on Vinesh in the last minute but Vinesh Phogat showed her class… pic.twitter.com/QhZ4AFRRUr

— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia)

Vinesh Phogat in control💪

The 🇮🇳 WRESTLER is closing on a semi-final spot in ! & watch the Olympics LIVE on & stream FREE on 📲 pic.twitter.com/mNajPsKh2V

— JioCinema (@JioCinema)

In the quarterfinals, Phogat faced Ukrainian wrestler Oksana Livach, a former European champion and 2018 world championship bronze medallist. Despite a tough contest, Phogat emerged victorious with a 7-5 win. Her performance was particularly impressive as she maintained composure under pressure, securing crucial points to advance.

Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra qualifies for javelin throw finals; WATCH monster first throw of 89.34m

Phogat’s previous Olympic attempts had not yielded a medal, but her recent successes have brought her closer than ever to achieving her goal. With her semifinal match scheduled against Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez later today, Phogat is assured of at least a silver medal.

A victory in the semifinals would secure her a spot in the gold medal match, while a loss would lead her to compete for bronze.

As she continues her quest for Olympic glory, Vinesh Phogat's outstanding performances have captured the attention and admiration of wrestling fans worldwide.

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