Dangal was the first film that introduced me to the world of wrestling, a sport entwined with grit and resilience. The story of a family of wrestlers—predominantly female—was more than just inspiring; it was a testament to the power of determination. Watching their journey unfold on screen instilled in me a belief: with the right mindset and unwavering dedication, excellence is not just an aspiration, but an inevitable outcome.
Today, as I pen down this article, I am filled with a complex mix of pride and emotion. Vinesh Phogat, a towering figure in Indian wrestling, announced her retirement earlier this morning, after a heart-wrenching disqualification while pursuing gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Phogat’s career, however, transcends any single moment of triumph or defeat; she will forever remain an emblem of inspiration.
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Phogat’s retirement came after a battle with severe dehydration, brought on by her relentless efforts to qualify. Her gruelling routine, marked by fasting, abstaining from fluids, and sleepless nights, is a powerful testament to her deep-seated passion for wrestling. Today, we don’t just reflect on a career; we celebrate a legacy.
Hailing from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, Vinesh Phogat was born into a family steeped in wrestling tradition. As the daughter of Rajpal Phogat and cousin to wrestling legends Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, Vinesh’s path seemed destined. Yet, she carved her own niche, not merely following in her footsteps but forging a trailblazing career.
Amid personal and societal challenges, she claimed her first international title at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, clinching gold in the 48 kg category. The same year, she added another gold to her name at the Asian Games in Incheon, a feat that signalled her arrival on the global stage.
Her journey to Rio 2016 was filled with promise as she secured her Olympic berth in Istanbul, entering the Games brimming with confidence. Despite a devastating knee injury in her quarterfinal bout against China’s Sun Yanan, Phogat’s comeback story became one for the books.
The year 2018 marked a golden chapter in her career, with back-to-back victories, before she transitioned to the 53 kg category in 2019. Unfazed by this shift, Phogat went on to win bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championships and a maiden World Championships medal at Nur-Sultan, securing her spot for Tokyo 2020.
As the top seed in Tokyo, Phogat’s journey was met with unforeseen challenges. After an early win against Sweden’s Sofia Mattsson, she fell to Belarus’ Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. Phogat later revealed that she wasn’t in peak physical or mental shape during the Games, leading to an elbow surgery soon after. Yet, she returned to the mat in 2022, securing bronze at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade and gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. That same year, she was honoured as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year.
Her career has been a relentless battle against adversity, marked by injuries and comebacks that only seemed to strengthen her resolve. Her journey reminds us that success is never easy, but through perseverance and passion, one can leave an indelible mark. As she steps away from the mat, Phogat leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered as one of India’s finest sportswomen.
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