Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics was never going to be easy. Born on August 25, 1994 in Balali, Haryana, Vinesh came from a wrestling family. Vinesh had big responsibilities because of her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, and she achieved early international success.

From 2010 to 2014, she won many medals in junior and senior competitions and became well-known in wrestling. But her road to Olympic gold was full of obstacles, on and off the mat.

Agitate: The Struggles on the way to Paris

In January 2023, Vinesh and 30 other Indian wrestlers protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India. The protest was a brave move, exposing the deep rooted issues in the sports administration, including sexual harassment. In August 2023, Vinesh injured her knee while training for the Asian Games, which affected her preparation for Paris 2024.

In August 2023, Vinesh injured her knee while training for the Asian Games, which affected her preparation for Paris 2024. This injury needed extensive rehabilitation and forced her to relook at her Olympics strategy.

Despite all this Vinesh decided to switch to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. This was not just a tactical move but a reflection of her disciplined approach and her never give up attitude.

Solution: Triumphs, Setbacks and a Legacy of Resilience

Vinesh worked hard and defeated world No. 1 Yui Susaki from Japan, reaching the finals at Paris 2024. This was a clear demonstration of her skills, strategy and never give up attitude.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt because she was 100 grams overweight. The awkwardness was a huge blow and ended her Olympic journey in heartbreak. But this incident didn’t erase her achievements or the spirit she showed throughout her career.

Legacy: A Study in Overcoming

Our champion Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics is a case study in resilience. Her ability to handle the complexities of competitive wrestling, face the personal and professional challenges and still be a top contender is a lesson in never giving up.

Though her Olympic journey ended in disappointment, her legacy as a role model for future wrestlers remains intact. True greatness comes from overcoming challenges, and champions are defined by their ability to recover after failures.

What impact has Vinesh had on women’s wrestling in India?

Vinesh Phogat has changed the face of women’s wrestling in India, both on and off the mat:

1. Breaking Barriers:
   • Vinesh became the first Indian woman to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games. She has inspired many young girls to take up wrestling, a sport dominated by men in India.
2. Speaking Out Against Harassment:
   • Vinesh has been vocal against sexual harassment in sports. She led the protests against the former WFI chief, brought attention to the issue and fought for safer spaces for female athletes.
3. Role Model:
   • Her ability to overcome injuries and personal struggles has made her a role model. Vinesh’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the world stage has shown that with hard work and determination, barriers can be broken1.
4. Increased Visibility:
   • Vinesh’s success has raised the profile of women’s wrestling in India. Her matches draw significant attention and receive extensive media coverage, highlighting the sport.
5. Inspiring Future Generations:
   • By sharing her struggles and successes, Vinesh has inspired future generations of female wrestlers to chase their dreams despite societal and system barriers.

Vinesh Phogat supports reaction about her exclusion

Vinesh Phogat has got a lot of support and love from the wrestling community after her debarment from the Paris Olympics final. Here are some reactions:

Rei Higuchi (Olympic gold medallist): Higuchi wants Vinesh to reconsider her retirement plans and said she’s important to the sport and her journey is motivating.

Thomas Bach (IOC President): Bach understands Vinesh’s situation and said the challenges she faced but also said we have to follow the rules.

General Support: Many wrestlers and fans have praised Vinesh for her courage and for fighting against sexual harassment in the sport. She’s a role model for many.

Social Media Reactions: Many are disappointed with her exclusion but still celebrating her achievements and the milestones she’s broken. All Indian fans support Vinesh Phogat, they also say to Vinesh phogat you are a real champion. This is true Vinesh Phogat is always a champion for all indians.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will announce its decision today on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a shared silver medal. The deadline for the panel’s decision has been extended to 6 PM Paris time (9:30 PM IST) on August 10. Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight at the weigh-in before the final match. The Indian Olympic Association is optimistic about the outcome.