Vinesh Phogat Fulfilled 'My dream', Says Sakshi Malik After Wrestler Reaches Paris Olympics Gold Medal Match

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Sakshi Malik, India's first woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal, expressed immense pride and joy as Vinesh Phogat made history by reaching the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.

Sakshi Malik, who shares a deep bond with Phogat, highlighted the significance of this achievement, not just for Vinesh, but for Indian wrestling as a whole.

"Vinesh went through a lot of struggle for this. She always used to say that she didn't have an Olympic medal, and that's one thing missing from her cabinet, and she has realized it today. She got one better as she went all the way to the gold medal match. Whether she wins or not, no Indian woman has achieved that feat. She has fulfilled my dream with hers too and of the entire India," said Sakshi Malik on JioCinema

Vinesh Phogat's path to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. In the semifinal, she faced Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman and won decisively with a 5-0 score. The match's turning point came when Vinesh, after receiving a 30-second passivity warning, executed two back-to-back takedowns to secure four points. This victory was preceded by a hard-fought quarterfinal against Ukraine's Okshana Livach, where Vinesh triumphed 7-5, and an astonishing win over Japan's Yui Susaki in the pre-quarterfinals. Susaki, who had been nearly invincible, fell to Vinesh's relentless attack in the closing seconds, securing a 3-2 win for the Indian wrestler.

Malik reflected on Vinesh's impressive semifinal performance: "Defeating Yui Susaki was never going to be easy, but her risky strategy worked. We say in wrestling, it's not over till the last second, and she followed that and surprised Susaki, who had never lost before. After defeating Susaki, everyone will start hoping that the gold medal is hers to take, and I really wish it happens."

Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, along with Bajrang Punia, have been instrumental in advocating for reforms in Indian wrestling. They led a significant protest against the Wrestling Federation of India last year, making sexual harassment accusations against the now-removed WFI president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Their activism has been crucial in bringing about changes in the sport's administration.

Looking ahead to Vinesh's final match, Malik acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead: "Before the gold medal tomorrow, this night is going to be crucial for Vinesh because she will have to lose weight for the weigh-in tomorrow, and it's not an easy thing for any wrestler. She will have to work tonight for it, and it's never easy for any wrestler. I hope this night goes easy on her."

As Vinesh Phogat prepares for the biggest match of her career, the entire nation stands behind her, hoping to see her achieve a historic victory. Sakshi Malik's words resonate deeply, capturing the spirit and determination of Indian wrestlers striving for excellence on the global stage.