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Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured a spot in the gold medal match of the women's Freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. Phogat's historic victory came after an emphatic 5-0 win over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the semifinals.Phogat's journey to the gold medal match began with an impressive win over Yui Susaki in the round of 16, boosting her confidence. The Indian wrestler has been in top form throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.Meanwhile, the Indian women's table tennis team, comprising Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Girish Kamath, will face Germany in the quarterfinals. The team will be aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the semifinals.Another Indian wrestler, Antim Panghal, will also be in action on Wednesday. Panghal will start her campaign against Zyenep Yetgil in the pre-quarterfinals of the women's Freestyle 53kg event.India's medal hopes also rest on weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who will compete in the women's 49kg event. Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, will be aiming to become India's first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. However, she faces a challenging field and lingering fitness concerns.

India's Olympic campaign in Paris 2024 got off to a flying start on Tuesday, with Neeraj Chopra and Vinesh Phogat securing impressive victories.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, qualified for the final with a mammoth throw of 89.34m on his first attempt. This was his second-best throw ever, behind only his 89.94m effort at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian, registered two stunning wins in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She first defeated Japan's Yui Susaki, a five-time world champion, in a major upset. Phogat then overcame Ukraine's Oksana Vasylivna Livach in the quarterfinals to book her place in the semifinals.Phogat's victories were particularly significant given her recent struggles. She had been a vocal critic of the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, and had faced backlash for her protests. She also suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, which ruled her out of the Asian Games.Chopra, who is also the reigning world champion, praised Phogat's performance, saying, "This is extraordinary. To beat Susaki is unreal. The effort she has put in shows. After what she has been through, I pray for her that she wins a medal."Phogat, who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, will be aiming to make history in Paris. She is the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the semifinals of an Olympic Games.India's strong start to the Paris Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its athletes. Chopra and Phogat are both medal contenders, and their performances have raised hopes for a successful Games for India.

The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 continues to strive for its fourth medal, with shooters having secured three bronze medals thus far. Manu Bhaker played a pivotal role in two of these medals, while Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale showcased exceptional performances to ensure India's success in shooting. However, the nation faced disappointment in badminton and boxing, with no athletes securing medals in these disciplines.On Tuesday, August 11th, India has the potential to secure two silver medals if favorable results occur. The men's hockey team faces Germany in the semi-final, aiming to guarantee a silver medal by winning the match and advancing to the gold medal contest.In wrestling, India's star performer Vinesh Phogat will take center stage, beginning with her round of 16 match. She faces Yui Susaki of Japan in her first bout, and a victory will propel her to the quarter-final. Phogat could potentially compete in her semi-final match on the same day, assuring India of at least a silver medal in wrestling if she emerges victorious in all three potential matches.India's medal tally could have been significantly higher if certain athletes had converted their fourth-place finishes into podium positions. The nation has already witnessed five fourth-place finishes in the Paris Games, including two in shooting, two in badminton, and one in archery.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, embarks on her quest for Olympic glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, commencing on Tuesday. She faces a formidable challenge in her opening bout against Japan's Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion in the women's 50kg category.Phogat, a world championship bronze medalist and a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, is determined to start her campaign with a victory. However, Susaki poses a significant obstacle, having won gold at Tokyo 2020 without surrendering a single point. Her undefeated streak since 2010, with the exception of three losses to Yuki Irie, further underscores her dominance.Susaki's exceptional technique has earned her numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 2017 Paris World Wrestling Championships (48kg), 2018 Budapest World Wrestling Championships (50kg), and 2022 World Wrestling Championships (50kg). Her impressive resume also boasts an Olympic gold, five World Championships golds, two Asian Championships golds, and gold medals at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin and World U-23 Championships.Phogat faces an arduous task, having suffered a quarterfinal defeat at Tokyo 2020 against Belarusian Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. In her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, she was a medal contender but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.Despite the daunting challenge, facing Susaki could prove advantageous for Phogat. As the Japanese wrestler is heavily favored to reach the final, it could open up the repechage route for Phogat, who dropped down to the 50kg category to accommodate Antim Panghal in the 53kg category.Phogat's accomplishments are remarkable, making her the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. She is also the only Indian woman wrestler to win multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships.

India's wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India's hopes in the men's freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.In the women's division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India's most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.India's wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women's 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 53kg (Antim Panghal)* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men's freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women's 57kg (Anshu Malik)* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 76kg (Reetika Hooda)The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.

Anshu Malik, India's 57kg wrestling sensation, is honing her skills in the hallowed halls of Nippon Sports Science University in Yokohama, Japan. Under the watchful eyes of legendary wrestlers Kaori Icho and Chikara Tanabe, Anshu is sparring with Japan's elite wrestlers, seeking to elevate her technique and prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.After three hours of intense sparring with world champions like Yui Sasaki, Akari Fujinami, and Tsugumi Sakurai, Anshu takes a brief respite before returning for a second session of grueling training. The Land of the Rising Sun has become a crucible for Anshu's growth, inspiring her to reach new heights in her young career.At 22, Anshu has already made her mark as an Olympian and a World Championships silver medalist. However, she is determined to make a splash in Paris and prove her mettle on the global stage. "I have improved a lot from Tokyo," she says. "In Tokyo, I was a teenager with technical deficiencies. I have matured as a wrestler in these three years."This is Anshu's third training stint at Japan's invitation-only facility, which has produced some of the country's greatest wrestling talents. The world-class guidance has been invaluable, as evidenced by her impressive performance at the Olympic qualifier selection trial in Patiala.Anshu's 57kg division is one of the most competitive in the world. Her major challengers include Nigeria's Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye, Moldova's Anastasia Nichita, and USA's Helen Maroulis. "I have competed against them and my bouts have always been close," she says. "I understand their gameplan well. Ultimately, it will boil down to that particular day."Off the mat, Anshu enjoys cooking as a therapeutic hobby. She also credits her father, Dharamvir Malik, for her unwavering support and relentless training. "Since the day we first stepped on the mat, papa told me to think of him as an enemy," she says. "He shows no mercy, gives no respite. Off the mat, he is a friend with whom I can share everything."Anshu's journey to the Paris Olympics is filled with both challenges and opportunities. With her unwavering determination and the support of her mentors, she is poised to make a mark on the world stage and bring glory to India.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed concerns over the lack of preparatory camps for wrestlers bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a letter to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), WFI president Sanjay Singh has requested medical tests and fitness assessments for the six qualified wrestlers.Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring optimal health and fitness for the athletes before the Games. He stated that the federation will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained due to the absence of sanctioned preparatory camps.The six wrestlers who have qualified for the Olympics are Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, Nisha Dahiya, and Aman Sehrawat. They have been training independently at their respective academies or abroad under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).However, the lack of a national camp has hindered the assessment of their fitness levels. Wrestling national coaches have informed WFI that they are unable to evaluate the fitness of some wrestlers.The case of Anshu Malik, who reportedly suffered a shoulder strain during training, prompted WFI to write to TOPS. Malik was admitted to a hospital, but WFI was not initially informed. The federation received contradictory reports on her fitness, leading to concerns about her preparation for the Olympics.WFI has also forwarded requests from wrestlers to take their coaches and support staff to the Games for IOA's consideration. Currently, only Vinesh Phogat's personal physio has been cleared by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The lack of preparatory camps and the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of some wrestlers have raised concerns within the WFI. The federation is urging SAI to address these issues to ensure that the wrestlers are adequately prepared for the upcoming Olympics.

Antim Panghal, India's rising wrestling star, is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 19-year-old prodigy is expected to be a medal contender in the 53 kg weight category, carrying the hopes of her nation on her shoulders.Panghal's journey began at the tender age of 10, inspired by her elder sister, a kabaddi player. Encouraged by her sibling, she embarked on a path that would lead her to unprecedented heights in Indian wrestling. In an exclusive interview with JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Panghal shared her remarkable story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.Reflecting on her early days, Panghal admitted to experiencing nerves before stepping onto the mat. However, once the competition commenced, her fears dissipated, replaced by an unwavering determination to fight and win. The two-time Junior World Champion's journey took a pivotal turn at the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials. A disappointing loss to Vinesh Phogat ignited a fire within her, propelling her to work harder than ever before."The loss at the trial for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Vinesh Phogat was tough, but it motivated me to work harder," Panghal said. "I went on to win a gold at the Junior World Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to do so, and later won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships. My life changed after the 2022 Commonwealth Games."Panghal emphasized the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. "If I lose a match, I don't dwell on it," she said. "I motivate myself to do better and move on. I believe that the Almighty has a better plan for me, and there are lessons to be learned from my losses."Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Panghal aspires to emulate Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic wrestling medallist. "The country has placed its faith in me, and I want to live up to their expectations," she said. "Once I set my mind on something, I ensure it gets done."Panghal's achievements are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. She has created history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in 2022 and 2023. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games, and a silver at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Antim Panghal is determined to make her mark on the world stage. With her unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, she is poised to become a symbol of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Nisha Dahiya's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by resilience and determination. After a severe collarbone injury in 2022, she spent months in recovery, determined to qualify for the Games.Her unwavering spirit led her to the World Qualifiers in May, where she secured her spot in the 68kg category. This triumph came after a career plagued by injuries, a doping ban, and a mistaken identity that falsely announced her death.Nisha's Olympic dream began a decade ago, inspired by Sakshi Malik's Commonwealth Games medal. Despite setbacks, she persevered, winning bronze at the U-23 World Championships and silver at the Asian Championships.Injuries have been a constant challenge, but Nisha's unwavering belief in her abilities has kept her going. She credits her physio from Reliance Foundation for her recovery and her move to the Inspire Institute of Sports for her improved training.Under the guidance of Iranian coach Amir Tavakolian, Nisha has honed her defensive skills and mental strength. She recently trained in Hungary, sparring with world-class wrestlers to overcome her initial hesitation.Sakshi Malik remains a source of support, offering encouragement and advice. Nisha's determination and the support of her team have fueled her journey to the Paris Olympics, where she aims to make her mark on the world stage.