Brij Bhushan trends on social media after Vinesh Phogat’s wrestling heroics at Paris 2024 Olympics

New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat produced a pair of sensational performances in the space of two hours at the Paris 2024 Games to reach her maiden Olympic semifinals in the 50kg category.

After causing the biggest upset in Paris so far by beating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16, Vinesh edged past Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinal.

The 29-year-old veteran wrestler defeated Livach 7-5 in a hard-fought contest to inch closer to an elusive Olympic medal in her third attempt.

Phogat made headlines after shocking four-time world champion Susaki on points to enter the quarter-finals. Trailing 0-2 after conceding penalty points for passivity, the Indian wrestler bounced back brilliantly in the last five seconds to stun the top seed and win 3-2.

Vinesh has given herself a golden chance of winning her first Olympic medal. She had failed to finish on the podium in her two previous Olympic appearances.

As soon as Vinesh entered the semifinal, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s name started trending on social media.

Vinesh spent months on the streets as a leading face in women wrestler protests against Brij Bhushan, who was accused by women wrestlers of sexual harassment. In Jan 2023, Vinesh, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and others began the protest against the ex-WFI chief by organising a sit-in demanding the disbanding of the federation and arrest of Brij Bhushan.

Check out the social media reactions following Vinesh’s win

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… pic.twitter.com/lXzzRnGM4S

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 6, 2024

From—Fighting against the BJP and Brij Bhushan Singh, beaten and dragged on roads by police, abused and character assassination by BJP IT Cell

To—defeat the Gold medalist of Tokyo Olympics who was undefeated from 14 years

You have come a long way,
Proud of you @Phogat_Vinesh 🫡 pic.twitter.com/huf1AuyDXu

— Newton (@newt0nlaws) August 6, 2024

When she hit the mat hard after the victory, it was like a slap on the face of Brij Bhushan ✌️ pic.twitter.com/vGCpawhB21

— . (@DelhiIsNotFar) August 6, 2024

The magnitude of Vinesh’s win can’t be described in words. The Indian athlete became the first-ever wrestler to defeat Susaki, who was undefeated in her all 82 career bouts.

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 Paris 2024 Olympics: As soon as Vinesh Phogat entered the semifinal, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s name started trending on social media.  Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today