Vinesh Phogat, the renowned Indian wrestler, was greeted with a heartfelt welcome upon her return to Delhi after her participation in the Paris Olympics. Her mother, beaming with pride, shared her plans to celebrate her daughter’s achievements with traditional sweets. “When she reaches home, we will feed her ‘churma’, ‘halwa’ etc…,” she said, her voice brimming with joy.
Vinesh, visibly emotional, expressed her gratitude to the Indian people for their unwavering support. “I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate,” she stated, her voice choked with emotion. Her arrival was marked by a grand reception, with notable figures from the sporting world and political circles present to welcome her. Videos capturing the joyous atmosphere, featuring Vinesh’s friends and family celebrating her return, quickly spread online.
Vinesh’s journey in Paris was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a triumphant win in the semi-final of the 50 Kg women’s freestyle wrestling match, she secured a spot in the finals. However, a heart-breaking disqualification followed due to exceeding the weight criteria by a mere 100 grams. She subsequently sought a silver medal through the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), but her appeal was dismissed. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced its intention to explore further legal options.
In a moving letter posted on X, Vinesh shared her personal journey, expressing gratitude to everyone who has been a part of it. She wrote, “Olympic rings: As a small girl from a small village, I did not know what the Olympics were or what these rings meant. As a small girl, I dream of things like long hair, flaunting a mobile phone in my hand, and doing all these things that any young girl would normally dream of.”
She continued, “But survival taught me a lot. Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-give-up attitude, and fighting spirit is what makes me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think about courage, I think about her, and it is this courage that helps me fight every fight without thinking about the outcome.”
Despite the disappointment of the disqualification, Vinesh Phogat’s spirit of resilience and her unwavering dedication to her sport continue to inspire countless others. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of a nation behind her.
