Vinesh Phogat (50kg) entered semifinals of Olympic Games with 7-5 win over Ukraine’s Oksana Livach. This came only a couple of hours after Phogat achieved a stunning victory at the Olympic Games by defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion and reigning gold medallist, in the 50kg event.
The 29-year-old Vinesh defeated Livach 7-5 in a hard-fought bout to get closer to an elusive Olympic medal in her third attempt.
In the match against Yui Susaki, Phogat mounted an impressive comeback in the final five seconds, securing a 3-2 win with a decisive takedown. This propelled her to Quarter Finals. She had failed to win a medal in her two previous Olympic appearances.
Vinesh Phogat’s triumph is particularly significant given her previous Olympic experiences, where she failed to win a medal.
The 29-year-old Vinesh had spent considerable time away from the mat last year while leading a protest against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan, after accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Indian javelin thrower and Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Jena finished ninth in the Group A of men’s javelin throw qualification round, failing to advance to the medal round at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Tuesday.
Kishore’s best attempt of 80.73 m could give him only the ninth spot. Only four competitors from group A advanced to the medal round. And to advance to the final round for the medal, the athlete will have to finish among the top 12 best athletes across both groups A and B, as per Olympics.com.
Jena’s best attempt came in is first throw. His second attempt was not deemed to be valid and the third attempt was only 80.21.
Finland’s Toni Keranan became the fourth athlete to breach the qualification mark of 84.00 m with an effort of 85.27, which was his personal best. Julian Weber (87.76 m) of Germany, Julius Yego (85.97 m) of Kenya and Jakub Vadlejch (85.63 m) of Czechia) also reached the final by accomplishing the qualification mark.