Blood, sweat, and tears – Vinesh Phogat has endured it all. On Tuesday, the seasoned wrestler secured her place in the annals of Indian sports history by clinching a silver medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics.
Her journey, marked by immense struggle and resilience, is a testament to her indomitable spirit.
How old is Vinesh Phogat?
29
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The Road to Paris
January 2023: The Beginning of the Protest
On January 18, 2023, Vinesh Phogat, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, spearheaded a protest at Jantar Mantar against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan. Accused of sexual abuse and intimidation, Bhushan faced the ire of the wrestling community. The protest ended after then-sports minister Anurag Thakur promised to form an Oversight Committee (OC) to investigate the allegations.
April 2023: Resuming the Fight
Despite the ongoing protests, Vinesh altered her training plans in Sweden to prepare for the Asian Games and World Championships. However, the wrestlers resumed their protest on April 23 as the re-elections were confirmed following the OC report.
May 2023: A Turning Point
The Delhi Police detained Vinesh and other wrestlers during their march to the new Parliament’s inauguration.
In a dramatic gesture, the wrestlers traveled to Haridwar to discard their medals into the Ganges. This act symbolized their deep frustration and despair over the lack of action against Bhushan.
August 2023: Setbacks and Determination
Vinesh sustained a knee injury during training, causing her to miss the Asian Games. Despite being given direct entry by the Indian Olympic Association’s ad-hoc committee, the suspension of the national federation by United World Wrestling (UWW) complicated matters. The failure to hold fresh elections within 45 days led to Brij Bhushan and Vinesh exchanging barbs over the expulsion.
December 2023: New Challenges
Vinesh and her colleagues protested the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI president, believing him to be a supporter of Bhushan. In protest, Vinesh and Bajrang returned their prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards to the government. Amidst this turmoil, veteran wrestler Sakshi Malik announced her retirement.
February 2024: A Triumphant Return
The UWW lifted the WFI’s provisional suspension and directed the federation to ensure no discriminatory actions against Vinesh, Bajrang, or Sakshi.
Making a stellar comeback, Vinesh won gold in the 55kg category at the nationals.
March 2024: Raising Eyebrows
Vinesh created a buzz by competing in two Olympic weights (50kg and 53kg) on the same day. She emerged victorious in the 50kg category at the selection trials for the Asian wrestling championships and Asian Olympic Games qualifier.
April 2024: Securing the Olympic Quota
Vinesh confirmed her spot at the Paris Olympics by securing an Olympic quota in the women’s 50kg category. She outclassed Laura Ganikyzy in the semifinal of the Asian Olympic qualifier. The WFI announced that no further Olympic trials would be held, and those who had earned the quota would proceed to Paris.
Paris Olympics 2024: A Historic Triumph for Vinesh Phogat
The Path to Glory
Months after being dragged and shoved on Delhi’s streets, Vinesh Phogat emerged as a giant slayer at the Paris Games 2024. She upstaged four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan in a stunning 3-2 decision. Until then, Susaki had maintained an unblemished 82-0 international record.
Vinesh continued her tactical brilliance by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach with a 7-5 win. Her relentless drive saw her outwrestle Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba, securing at least a silver medal for India.
Overcoming Adversity
“Vinesh Phogat is the lioness of India who won back-to-back matches today. Defeated 4-time World Champion and defending Olympic champion. After that she defeated the former World Champion in the quarterfinals. But let me tell you one thing. This girl was kicked and crushed in her own country. This girl was dragged on the streets in her country. This girl is going to conquer the world but she lost to the system in this country,” Tokyo Games bronze medallist Bajrang Punia remarked, highlighting the struggles Vinesh faced.
What’s Next for Vinesh?
Vinesh Phogat’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being carried out on a stretcher at the 2016 Olympic quarterfinals due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament to headlining what might be her final Olympics, Vinesh’s resilience has been unwavering. With her sights set on the gold, Vinesh is determined to extend India’s medal tally. Regardless of the final outcome, her journey has already cemented wrestling as India’s second-most successful sport at the Olympics, amassing a total of eight medals.
Vinesh Phogat’s redemption story is one of courage, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Her triumph at the Paris Olympics is not just a personal victory but a testament to the spirit of every athlete who has faced adversity and emerged victorious.
