Vinesh Phogat’s journey: From wrestling glory to Olympic heartbreak and fight for justice

Vinesh Phogat, a name synonymous with grit, determination and the relentless pursuit of excellence in Indian wrestling, has faced one of the most challenging phases of her career. Her journey, marked by extraordinary highs and devastating lows, recently encountered a significant setback at the Paris Olympics 2024—a moment that tested not only her athletic abilities but also her resilience.

Born into the famous Phogat family, Vinesh was destined to wrestle. Nurtured by the rigorous training regimes set by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, she quickly rose through the ranks to become one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers. Vinesh’s career has been a testament to her strength and perseverance, overcoming societal barriers and physical injuries that would have ended many careers. Her bronze medal at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships and gold at the 2018 Asian Games highlighted her status as one of the top contenders on the world stage.

However, Vinesh's journey took a heartbreaking turn during the Paris Olympics 2024. Competing in the women's 50kg category, she was one of India's strongest hopes for a medal. But just hours before the final, Vinesh was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by a mere 100 grams. This disqualification was a crushing blow—not just to her dreams but also to the hopes of a nation that had placed its trust in her.

In an unprecedented move, Vinesh appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on August 7, 2024, seeking a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was marginal and did not reflect her competitive abilities. Her appeal was grounded in the belief that such stringent regulations failed to account for the immense physiological and psychological pressures that athletes, particularly women, endure.

The CAS, however, dismissed her plea on August 14. The court’s initial order provided no relief to Vinesh, stating unequivocally that her disqualification stood. This decision not only dashed her hopes of securing a medal at the Paris Games but also sparked a broader debate on the fairness of the rules governing weight categories in wrestling.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), led by president PT Usha, expressed profound disappointment at the CAS decision. In a statement, the IOA underscored the severity of the impact that a 100-gram discrepancy had on Vinesh’s career. They questioned the rigidity of the rules and called for a more humane approach to athlete management, particularly in contexts where the margins are so minuscule.

The IOA’s statement highlighted the need for a deeper examination of the regulations that govern such critical aspects of competition. They pointed out that the disqualification of an athlete for such a minor infraction, especially on the second day of a two-day weigh-in process, demanded scrutiny. The IOA vowed to continue supporting Vinesh, exploring all legal avenues to ensure that her case received the attention it deserved.

Vinesh’s situation also brought to light the intense physical and emotional toll that elite athletes endure. The IOA’s statement was a stark reminder that behind every disqualification and every missed opportunity is a human being who has devoted their life to their sport. The association called for more equitable standards that prioritise the well-being of athletes, ensuring that their rights and dignity are always upheld.

As Vinesh Phogat faces this tumultuous chapter in her life, the support from the IOA and the broader sports community will be crucial. Her journey, marked by extraordinary achievements and unforeseen challenges, is far from over. The fight for justice, fairness, and recognition continues, both on and off the mat. The IOA’s commitment to exploring further legal options ensures that Vinesh’s case will not be forgotten, and her legacy in Indian wrestling will remain intact.