Vinesh Phogat at Paris Olympics: Who will be Indian wrestler’s top challengers

Vinesh Phogat’s road to Paris has not been an easy one.

In the past one and a half years, Vinesh Phogat had fought more bouts outside the mat. After accusing former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment: leading the protests against the BJP MP, sleeping in tents on footpaths, getting dragged on the streets of the Capital by the Delhi Police, returning national awards and fighting a battle in the courts.

In April earlier this year, the wrestler competed in her first international tournament since September 2022 and, without conceding a single point, secured a Paris Olympics quota place for India. Phogat needed less than six minutes to win her three bouts and get the job done.

Since Vinesh is not seeded, she won’t know about her opponents until the day before her competition starts.

Vinesh has now secured her third straight Olympic quota, having featured in Rio Games (2016) and in Tokyo (2020).The Indian Express looks at her closest rivals standing in her way of a podium finish.

Yui Susaki (Japan)

Yui Susaki is a four-time World Champion and is the reigning Olympic champion, who won the gold medal without conceding a point in Tokyo. Susaki has only lost thrice since 2015, all of them to compatriot Yuki Irie. Vinesh might face her in the opening round.

Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (Mongolia)

Vinesh can also be pitted against the two-time World silver medalist Otgonjargal Dolgorjav from Mongolia. The 22-year-old can trouble the Indian with her pace.

Sarah Hildebrandt (USA)

Another potential first-round opponent for Vinesh could be Sarah Hildebrandt from the USA. Hildebrandt is competing in her second Olympics after winning bronze in the women’s 50kg division in Tokyo. Since 2021, Hildebrandt has compiled a 31-4 record.

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