“Biggest upset of the decade” - Netizens in awe as Vinesh Phogat beats defending champion Yui Sasaki to progress to Paris 2024 Olympics QF
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has caused one of the major upsets of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics after she defeated the defending champion Yui Sasaki of Japan in the women’s 50 kg freestyle event on Tuesday. With this victory, Phogat will progress through to the quarter-finals in the women’s 50kg event.
Netizens took to social media to express their shock and disbelief at the marvelous performance of Phogat, who surpassed everyone’s expectations by winning the match by a scoreline of 3-2.
“Biggest Upset of the decade. Vinesh Phogat won against Yui Susaki. That's the biggest Upset. Wow,” one fan wrote on the social media platform X.
One fan described the David vs Goliath nature of the battle between Yui and Phogat in the perfect manner, writing:
“You won't see a better execution of a plan than this. Vinesh Phogat has stunned Yui Susaki in the first round of the women's 50 kg. This is as big an upset as India beating Brazil in football. Stuff of legend.”
“VINESH PHOGAT DEFEATS YUI SUSAKI, who lost like 3 games in her entire career. Our girl just pulled off an upset of epic proportions, THIS IS HUGE. LET'S GO,” another fan wrote.
“AYOO VINESH PHOGAT, WHAT!!! Go on now sister, PUHLEASE. We're starving!” one fan pleaded.
One fan couldn’t control their excitement after the incredible result, posting:
“UNBELIEVABLLLEEEEE! Vinesh Phogat has defeated the Tokyo Olympics GOLD medalist. WE AREEEEEE COMING FOR THAT MEDAL.”
Even senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai chimed in with a message of astonishment, posting:
“Wow wow wow! Vinesh Phogat defeats the Olympic champion and world number 1. NEVER EVER forget that this is the same Vinesh who was subject to the most vicious character assassination campaign, who spent months on the street as a lead figure in women wrestler protests against an all powerful BJP MP and WFI head, who was dragged away by the police baton. Who is still fighting for justice? Today she has shown the world the power of the Indian woman! Salute! Jai Ho 🇮🇳."
Vinesh Phogat overcomes world champion Yui Sasaki to progress to quarter-finals
Phogat, who was mired in controversy throughout the better part of last year, would be immensely proud of the result against Yui Sasaki, who was the top-seeded wrestler in the Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as the defending gold medalist from Tokyo 2020.
Nobody would have given Phogat much of a chance in the match, but the 29-year-old Commonwealth Games gold medalist showed incredible determination and technical ability to go toe-to-toe with the world No. 1 Sasaki.
After holding her opponent to a 2-1 score, she incredibly turned the match around by winning a point in the dying seconds of the bout and winning another point due to technical superiority, thus sealing the bout with a 3-2 victory.
With this victory, Phogat will progress through to the quarter-finals of the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event in the Paris 2024 Olympics.