Olympics24: Vinesh Phogat beats world no 1 to storm to wrestling semis , Neeraj Chopra cruises to javelin final

 

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat created a major upset at the Paris Olympics. She defeated the world's number one and reigning champion, Yu Susaki, in the pre-quarterfinals. Vinesh secured her victory with a last-minute move, despite being behind for most of the match. She won 3-2. In the next match, she defeated Ukraine's Oksana Livach 7-5, advancing to the semifinals, just one step away from a medal.

At the start, it didn't seem like Vinesh would win. As she approached the wrestling mat, her face was expressionless, possibly trying to control her emotions considering her formidable opponent. She was trailing from the beginning and played very defensively, earning two warnings from the referee. If she didn't score within 30 seconds, her opponent would gain a point. Twice, she failed to score in the given time, allowing the Japanese wrestler to lead 2-0.

As time was running out, Vinesh's supporters grew anxious. Another disappointing story seemed to be unfolding. However, she turned everything around in five seconds. Taking advantage of her opponent's momentary mistake, she earned one point by pushing her out of the mat and another two points with a takedown, winning 3-2.

Why was defeating Susaki such a significant upset?

Yu Susaki not only won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, but she is also a four-time world champion and a two-time Asian champion. She has won gold at the Golden Grand Prix, the Under-23 World Championships, the World Junior Championships, and the World Cadet Championships. Defeating such a decorated wrestler in the first round was no easy feat, but Vinesh Phogat managed to achieve it.

Meanwhile  Neeraj Chopra has advanced to the final at the Paris Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist easily cleared the qualification round, throwing the javelin 89.34 meters.

To qualify for the final, athletes needed to throw over 84 meters. Neeraj achieved this in his first throw, with a distance of 89.34 meters, securing his spot in the final.

Neeraj was in Group B, while Kishore Jena was in Group A. Unfortunately, Kishore did not qualify, as he threw the javelin 80.73 meters, failing to make it into the top 12.

From Group A, Germany's Julian Weber (87.76), Kenya's Julius Yego (85.97), Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch (85.63), and Finland's Toni Keranen (85.27) qualified directly for the final.

In addition to Neeraj from Group B, Grenada's Anderson Peters (88.63), Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem (86.59), Brazil's Luiz Mauricio da Silva (85.91), and Moldova's Andrian Mardare (84.13) also qualified directly.

In total, nine athletes have qualified directly for the final. Additionally, Finland's Oliver Helander (83.81), Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott (83.02), and Finland's Lassi Etelätalo (82.91) have made it to the final.

Neeraj won gold at the Tokyo Olympics on August 7, 2021. Three years later, he will compete in the Paris Olympics final on August 8, giving him another chance to win gold, three years and one day after his Tokyo triumph.