Vinesh Phogat, a freestyle Wrestler, is three time Olympian, having competed in three different weight classes – 48 kg in 2016, 53 kg in 2020 and 50 kg in 2024.
Being a very determined, hardworking and an epitome of resilience. She had proved her mettle not only on the the wrestling field but also on the roads of Delhi where she fought fearlessly for her own dignity and of her fellow sportswomen.
She fought against the patriarchy and the discrimination they had to face being a woman.
She was very vocal about the sexual harrasment and exploitation they had to face being women athletes.
She even faced backlash from certain group of people and even media persons. But she didn’t give up.
She was trolled mercilessly, called an anti nationalist and even got life threats.
Not many came for her support then.
What led to the protests ?
-In January 2023, 30 wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Anshu Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested at Jantar Mantar demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was removed as the wrestling federation chief. The BJP didn’t field Singh in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and gave a ticket to his son Karan Bhushan Singh instead.
-The wrestlers were demanding Singh’s removal as a minister in the Narendra Modi government and the dissolution of the federation.
-The protesters had also submitted a complaint to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, requesting the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations and a new committee to manage the WFI in consultation with the wrestlers.
-Protesters accused “drunk officials of manhandling” them and “misbehaving” with the female wrestlers. The altercation led to detention while some wrestlers also sustained injuries.
Last year was indeed painful for the Wrestling fraternity.
But all these setbacks didn’t stop Vinesh from preparing for the Olympics. She came out Stronger and Braver.
She defeated the Cuban Wrestler in Semi-Finals.The whole country was saluting her for her victory. The ones who ignored her and ranted her at the times of protest were commending her.
But
“Sometimes fate finds various ways to disappoint you.”
Just few hours before the finals she was disqualified for being overweight. As she was fighting in 50Kg category, she weighed few grams above the limit(roughly 100gms). Being disqualified she will placed at the last position.
The news of her disqualification left the whole nation shattered. She maybe he disqualified on grounds but she has won hearts of every Indian.
Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on the popular social media X, following her disqualification.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,”
Not only Prime minister but also several other politician spoke about the disqualification of Ms. Phogat.
The Samajwadi Party Leader Akhilesh Yadav , demanded ” Thorough Investigation” regarding the disqualification.
While most of the factions stood with the Vinesh Phogat and demanded at least Silver medal.
-Indian shuttler and Olympian Saina Nehwal commented on Phogat’s disqualification, and while she emphasised Phogat’s experience and dedication, Nehwal stated Phogat made an unexpected mistake despite knowing the rules on the final day.
-Even the Sports Minister also said that:
“Phogat’s renowned Hungarian coach Woller Akos and physio Ashwini Patil were accompanying her. He also said financial assistance was provided for additional personal assisting staff, such as sparring partners and strength and conditioning experts.
For the Paris Olympics cycle, they were provided financial assistance of a total of `70.45 lakh,” Mandaviya said, followed by a detailed account of the money spent on her training.”
What are the Olympics Wrestling Weight Rules?
1.Wrestlers are weighed before the match and on both the days of competition. The wrestlers are required to stay within their weight category on both days of the competition to stay qualified for the event.
2.According to UWW’s Article 11 on weigh-in, “For all competitions, the weigh-in is organized each morning
of the concerned weightcategory. If an athlete does not attend or fail the
weigh-in (the first or the second weigh-in), he/she will be eliminated of the competition and ranked last, without rank.”
Impact of Weight cutting Wrestlers:
-Weight cutting involves athletes drastically reducing their weight in a short period of time. This is done by athletes to make the stipulated weight in time for weigh-ins.
– This is because weight cuts primarily involve ridding the body of any accumulated water — this is the “easiest” weight to shed.
-There is an incentive to push the limits of what is safe — sometimes with dangerous, even deadly, consequences.
-Severe (or even moderate) dehydration used for weight loss in weight restricted sports increases the risk of acute cardiovascular problems says a doctor.
What led to her Weight difference?
-Phogat, competed in the 50-kg weight category in Paris on Tuesday, a shift from her previous categories of 53 kg and 55 kg.
-This change, which happened in March during trials in India, is one of the factors that contributed to her overnight struggle to cut weight for Wednesday’s match, where she had a chance to win a gold medal.
Vinesh and her Previous Olympics Journey
– In the 2016 Rio Olympics ,When she met China’s Sun Yanan in the mat, Yanan was seen pinning Phogat down, putting the Indian champion in an uncomfortable spot. The position made Phogat visibly shudder with pain, and the wrestler sustained a knee injury as a result.
-It was a round of 16 exit at the Olympics for Phogat that year.
-After her exit from the Tokyo Olympics, Phogat announced a break from wrestling, citing mental health struggles. Phogat said that she wasn’t sure if ever the wrestler would return to the mat.
Destiny has tested her Patience and Resilience on the multiple occasions , and she stood with her chin up even at times when she was pushed, bitten, and dragged on the roads.
Even now after her Disqualification from the Olympics 2024 she is still a champ and a true winner in the eyes of her countrymen.
All this makes me write about the quote from Mahatma Gandhi-
” I remain an optimist because of my unflinching faith that right must prosper in the end.”
(This can be used in Ethics as an example of resilience, courage of conviction,
grit ,determination& faith)