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Paris Olympics: Vinesh Phogat coach Woller Akos Wins Heart of Fans, Says 'That's How We Feel Back Home'

By Triyasha Chatterjee

Indian fans could not get enough of the wholesome moment as Vinesh Phogat's coach Woller Akos broke down as Phogat became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.

Vinesh secured her spot by defeating Cuba's Lopez Guzman with a commanding 5-0 victory in the semi-final bout of the Paris Olympics 2024. The elation on the mat was palpable, but what truly captured the hearts of fans worldwide was the emotional reaction of Vinesh's coach who was seen weeping at the side of the mat.

Vinesh Phogat Coach Woller Akos Paris Olympics

Training under Hungarian coach Woller Akos since 2018, Vinesh has made significant strides in her wrestling career. Akos played a pivotal role in refining her technique during a training camp in Hungary, addressing minor yet crucial aspects of her game.

Known for her vulnerability to fast attacks in the lower weight categories, Vinesh transformed her approach under Akos's guidance. Her improved technique led to a gold medal at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid and another gold at the Asian Games, despite Akos not being physically present and instead coaching her via WhatsApp.

The sight of Coach Akos's tears moved fans deeply. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, were flooded with messages expressing admiration and emotion over the heartfelt moment. Fans from all corners of the world shared their thoughts, praising the dedication and bond between Vinesh and Akos.

Tweets highlighted how Akos's visible emotions underscored the hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering support that led to this monumental achievement. Many described the scene as a testament to the deep connections in sports that go beyond mere victories

"How awesome is Vinesh Phogat's coach Woller Akos? He stood by her during her protests back home and had tears in his eyes when she reached the final. You could see how much it means to both of them " wrote a user on X, formerly Twitter. "You know what it means when the coach was in tears after her bout.

India into finals. Vinesh Phogat FIRST Female Wrestler to reach finals at Olympics, " wrote another.

"The coach of Vinesh Phogat got emotional after Vinesh Phogat qualified for the finals. This describes the emotions and the hard work they also put in !!" added another.

Another fan wrote: "The coach's reaction is all of us back home. Vinesh Phogat you bloody legend!"

The semi-final match against Guzman showcased Vinesh's cautious yet strategic wrestling. From the start, she put her Cuban opponent under pressure by securing a leg hold, setting the tone for the match.

Despite a cautious beginning with no points scored in the first two minutes, Vinesh's persistent pressure led to Guzman receiving a penalty for passivity, giving Vinesh a one-point lead. The match turned more defensive, with Vinesh holding her ground even after receiving a passivity warning herself. She capitalized on this moment, twisting Guzman's right leg to extend her lead to 5-0 and maintained her composure to clinch the win.

The touching scene of Akos's tears symbolized more than just a coach's joy; it represented the culmination of years of relentless effort, strategic brilliance, and a unique mentor-mentee relationship that has propelled Vinesh to new heights.

Story first published: Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 1:06 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 7, 2024
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