Vinesh Phogat's redemption: From protest victim to Olympic medalist, the ultimate comeback story
PTC News Desk: Vinesh Phogat had already been through a lot before the seasoned wrestler punched her tickets to the Paris Olympics—blood, sweat, and tears. In the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling competition at the Olympics in Paris on Tuesday, Vinesh delivered a performance of a lifetime and then achieved yet another historic victory.
Before the 29-year-old defeated Ukrainian Oksana Livach, who was ranked higher, Vinesh broke the winning streak of reigning champion Yui Susaki and advanced to the business end of the wrestling competition at the Paris Summer Olympics. On the greatest day of her career, Vinesh defeated Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman to ensure that she would receive at least a silver medal, which would be India's best medal at the Paris Olympics.
Vinesh has seen it all on her path to atonement, from leading a historic Olympic final to serving as the face of the wrestlers' protest. Take a look at the timeline of events Vinesh experienced to get a sense of the magnitude of her accomplishment.
Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh, and a few other wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar on January 18, 2023. The renowned observatory in the country's capital was the venue for the legendary Indian wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan, the former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
As the former WFI in attendance was accused of sexual abuse and intimidation, wrestlers demanded Bhushan's resignation. After the wrestlers' meeting with Anurag Thakur, the then-sports minister, the protest came to a conclusion on January 21, two days later. Wrestlers were given assurances by the former Sports Minister that an Oversight Committee (OC) would be formed to look into the matter more.
After the OC report was submitted, Vinesh received confirmation from WFI that there would be re-elections, forcing her to modify her training schedule in Sweden for the Asian Games and World Championships. On April 23, wrestlers went back to Jantar Mantar and carried on with their demonstration.
On the day of the new Parliament's inauguration, Vinesh, Bajrang, Sakshi, and other protesting wrestlers were arrested by Delhi Police. Following the event, the wrestlers made their way to Haridwar to cast their medals into the Ganges.
Vinesh suffered a setback when the top wrestler missed the Asian Games due to a knee injury he suffered in training. Vinesh was granted direct entry to the Asian Games at that time. The ad hoc committee of the Indian Olympic Association excluded Bajrang (65 kg) and Vinesh (53 kg) from competing in the Asian Games trials. United World Wrestling (UWW) suspended the national federation following the failure of new elections held 45 days later. After the expulsion, Brij Bhushan and Vinesh took potshots.
Vinesh and associates objected to Sanjay Singh's election victory and subsequent appointment as the WFI's new president. Following Brij Bhushan's ascension to power, Vinesh and Bajrang gave up their Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards to the government. Sakshi Malik, a veteran wrestler, declared her retirement.
The temporary suspension of the WFI was lifted by the UWW. Additionally, the international body requested that the WFI refrain from discriminating against Vinesh, Sakshi, or Bajrang. Vinesh made a spectacular comeback to competitive wrestling at the championships, winning gold in the 55kg class after a 15-month hiatus.
By competing in two Olympic weight classes (50 kg and 53 kg) on the same day, Vinesh raised eyebrows. She was victorious in the lighter division of the Asian Olympic Games qualifying trials, as well as the Asian wrestling championships.
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Vinesh affirmed her attendance in the Olympics in Paris. The Indian wrestler qualified for the Asian Olympic qualifying final and secured an Olympic quota in the women's 50kg class. Laura Ganikyzy was surpassed by Vinesh in the semifinal. WFI announced that the wrestlers who had met their quota would travel to Paris, and that there would not be Olympic trials in that same month.
Vinesh transformed into a massive slayer at the Paris Games 2024, just months after he was brutally dragged and forced through the streets of Delhi. In the historic fight, Phogat stunned four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan by winning a thrilling 3-2 decision. The formidable Susaki held an unmatched 82-0 international record up until yesterday.
Vinesh became the first wrestler to defeat the World No. 1 and Tokyo Olympic gold champion in the international stage while demonstrating a tactical masterclass during the Olympics. At the Paris Games, Phogat defeated Livach of Ukraine 7–5, the day after defeating the unassailable first seed. Phogat will play Cuban Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the Paris Games semifinals.
The Indian lioness, Vineesh Phogat, emerged victorious in two consecutive matches today. Olympic champion in contention and four-time world champion defeated. In the quarterfinals, she went on to overcome the former World Champion. Let me tell you one thing, though. In her own nation, this girl was kicked and crushed. In her own nation, this girl was dragged through the streets. Weighing in at the Tokyo Games with a bronze medal, Punia observed, "This girl is going to conquer the world but she lost to the system in this country."
In 2016, Phogat suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during the Olympic quarterfinal. At the time, she was carried out on a stretcher. Leading the way in what may be her last Olympics, Phogat is well-positioned to increase India's medal total. A victory would guarantee Vinesh a historic gold medal, but a loss would still guarantee the best result by an Indian female wrestler in the Olympics. With eight medals won, wrestling is now India's second-most successful Olympic sport, thanks to Vinesh.
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- With inputs from agencies
