India has a rich history in combat sports like boxing and wrestling, having won multiple medals in these disciplines at both the Olympic Games and World Championships.
However, 2024 was a sub-par year for India, with only one athlete winning a medal at the Olympic Games across all combat sports, while several medal favorites exited early in the competition.
Despite this, there were a few high-quality bouts (aligned to the Olympic umbrella) in these sports this year, featuring both narrow misses and upset victories.
Read highlights five of the most competitive and thrilling combat sports matches of 2024.
Vinesh Phogat Vs Yui Susaki (JPN) – Paris Olympics
One of the most exciting and talked-about bouts in combat sports this year occurred at the Paris Olympics, where Indian legend Vinesh Phogat faced defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan.
Susaki was the overwhelming favorite to win the match and the competition, but the Indian maestro had other plans.
She shattered Susaki’s formidable record of 82 consecutive wins on the international circuit.
The match began with Susaki aggressively attacking from the outset, but she struggled to execute any significant moves due to Vinesh’s solid defensive display.
Susaki held a narrow lead and attempted to run down the clock. However, Vinesh delivered her masterstroke, pushing Susaki to the edge of the mat.
Susaki tried to avoid conceding a step-out point, but Vinesh’s exceptional upper body strength secured a takedown, scripting one of the most shocking upsets of the year for both India and the world.
Aman Sehrawat Vs Zelimkhan Abakarov (ALB) – Paris Olympics
Young Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat claimed a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, ensuring India did not leave the Games empty-handed in combat sports.
Aman pulled off several upsets on his way to the medal matches, including a remarkable quarterfinal victory against former world champion Zelimkhan Abakarov of Albania.
Zelimkhan was a strong favorite, with high odds in his favor. However, Aman defied expectations, dominating the match with a stunning 12-0 victory.
This was Aman’s first win against Zelimkhan, making it particularly special as it avenged his previous loss to the same opponent at the World Championships and secured his first major international medal.
Nishant Dev Vs Marco Verde (MEX) – Paris Olympics
Another thrilling match at the Paris Olympics came in boxing, where Nishant Dev faced Marco Verde of Mexico in the quarterfinals.
The stakes were high, as the winner would secure their maiden Olympic medal. Both boxers started aggressively, aiming to gain an early advantage.
Nishant took the first round 4-1, but Marco Verde staged a comeback in the second round, narrowing Nishant’s lead to just one card.
The final round was fiercely contested, with neither boxer leaving any openings. However, the judges unanimously awarded the round to Marco Verde, resulting in Nishant losing the match 1-4 and ending his Olympic medal dreams.
The decision sparked controversy, with fans questioning the unanimous score in such a closely fought bout.
Udit Vs Kento Yumiya (JPN) – Asian Championships
This match, held at the Asian Championships in Kyrgyzstan, was the final of the men’s 57 kg category between India’s Udit and Japan’s Kento Yumiya.
Udit, one of India’s rising stars, was on the brink of history. A victory would have secured India’s fifth consecutive title in this category
Udit appeared poised to win, maintaining his lead until the final 10 seconds of the match. However, Kento managed a step-out point in the dying moments, snatching the title from Udit in dramatic fashion.
Nishant Dev Vs Omari Jones (USA) – Olympic Qualifiers
Nishant Dev, arguably India’s best male boxer of the year, delivered several high-quality matches. One standout bout was at the Olympic Qualifiers against Omari Jones of the USA.
The winner of this match would secure a quota spot for the Paris Olympics. Nishant began the match with an aggressive approach, but Omari’s swift movements and well-timed punches gave him a slight edge, which he maintained throughout the bout despite Nishant’s spirited efforts.
Although Nishant lost the match, the experience proved valuable. He went on to dominate the subsequent qualification event, winning every match convincingly and securing an Olympic quota for India.
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