“Dear haters, I have so much more for you to be mad at. Just be patient,” Vinesh wrote in a post dated March 12 this year.
For the past year, Vinesh has been leading a protest against the alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite this tumultuous period, she made it to the 50kg final by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinals.
Regardless of the final match’s outcome, India is guaranteed its fourth medal of the event, which will be a step up from the three bronze medals won in shooting so far.
Vinesh’s journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular. She began her day with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over defending Olympic and world champion Yui Susaki of Japan, a legend who had been unbeaten in her 82-fight international career until she met Vinesh.
Next, the 29-year-old wrestler demolished world number 7 Ukrainian Ostava Livach, and then effortlessly overcame Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a 5-0 win to secure her spot in the final.
Vinesh let out a triumphant scream after defeating Susaki but kept her emotions in check for the rest of the day as she methodically took down her opponents.
“Tomorrow is an important day, will talk then,” she told journalists, hurrying away after a quick video call with her mother, promising to bring back the gold.
In the final, Vinesh will face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. This moment is a testament to her resilience and determination, proving that she has much more in store for her doubters.
Inputs from Agencies
