Vinesh Phogat has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final of the Olympics. She defeated Cuba’s Yusnelis Guzman Lopez 5-0 and took a step towards winning the gold medal in the 50 kg category of women’s wrestling event at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh, who had long dreamed of winning an Olympic medal, had to face many challenges. She was angry for a long time, but despite threats, police detention, reaction to the protest led by her and the campaign to defame her, she remained firm and secured the medal.
gave a befitting reply to the critics
Instead of sinking into despair, she gave a befitting reply to her critics and after two failed attempts in 12 years, she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic finals. In a turbulent period, she was confident that her fight was justified and she was victorious.
After competing in 53kg for over five years, she had to move down to 50kg. She had several problems in her trial bouts before the Olympic qualifiers, and then had to undergo knee surgery after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This almost ended her career. The journey to Paris was a tough one for this Haryana wrestler. A lot was at stake. Ordinary people would have given up, but she did not.
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It took a lot of struggle to reach here
Eventually, her extraordinary journey from street protests in Delhi to the podium in Paris will result in a historic medal. For now, she is assured of a silver medal. It is a fitting reply to her critics in the national federation, who criticised her for her leading the long-running protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of threats and sexual harassment. The police got involved, the courts got involved and the government intervened.
Her critics at the time were convinced that the thoughts were boiling in her mind, but Vinesh, who is about to turn 30, came out even stronger to carry on the fight thanks to her determination and unwavering confidence in her ability. These qualities helped her win a medal in the world’s biggest sport.
Vinesh Phogat fought on the front
For those who have been talking about her life and career, Vinesh Phogat deserves more than just superlatives. In recent years, Phogat has been fighting on two fronts. On and off the mat. Her off-the-mat battles were indeed more challenging than the ones she fought growing up in her village of Balali. But, in a way, those off-field battles have better prepared her to deal with her rivals in competition.
Learning from her struggles off the mat and employing a perfect game plan, Vinesh stunned the reigning Olympic champion in one of wrestling’s biggest upsets. After dealing with her toughest opponent of the competition, she defeated eighth seed Oxana Livach of Ukraine to enter the semifinals of the women’s 50kg freestyle event.
From facing opposition from villagers who consider wrestling a man’s sport, to losing her father at the age of nine to clashing with officials of the powerful federation, Vinesh has faced countless hardships on her way to realising her dreams. The world body of wrestling congratulated her on social media, saying, “Believe you can fly.” She certainly can.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)