In the annals of Indian sports, Vinesh Phogat’s name is inscribed in golden letters. Her journey, filled with extraordinary achievements, unparalleled resilience, and unwavering determination, took an unexpected turn over the last ten days—a period that has tested her like never before. From the heights of triumph to the depths of despair, Vinesh has endured an ordeal that no sportsperson would ever want to face. Yet, she has emerged stronger, reminding the world why she will always be a champion.
The Return of a Champion
On a somber Saturday morning, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi witnessed a scene that could melt even the hardest of hearts. Vinesh Phogat, the 29-year-old wrestler who had just returned from Paris, was met with a hero’s welcome. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as fans, family, and supporters gathered to celebrate her return. There was a thick security cover as Vinesh landed, a testament to her stature as one of India’s most beloved sports icons.
As Vinesh stepped out, hundreds of fans erupted in cheers, chanting her name. The sight of her supporters moved her to tears—tears that she could no longer hold back. Vinesh, who had always been a pillar of strength, finally let her emotions flow, comforted by her teammates and close friends, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep, her hands folded in gratitude, as she thanked the supporters who had gathered to welcome her back. “I thank the entire country,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
A Journey to Remember
The journey that led Vinesh to this emotional homecoming began in Paris, where she was set to make history at the Olympics. Competing in the women’s 50kg wrestling category, Vinesh showcased her indomitable spirit and skill. She secured an impossible victory against Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion from Japan, in the first round, and then won two more matches to become the first Indian female wrestler to advance to an Olympic final.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store for her. On August 7, the day of her historic gold medal bout, Vinesh was found 100 grams overweight. According to the stringent rules of United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee, she was disqualified and stripped of her podium finish. All the hard work she had put in, all the victories she had earned, were suddenly nullified.
The Fight for Justice
Vinesh’s disqualification was a devastating blow, not just for her but for the entire nation. Yet, neither Vinesh nor her team gave up. They fought tirelessly to seek justice, appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. The hearing, held on August 9, was filled with back-and-forth deliberations. Despite the best efforts of Vinesh’s coaches, doctors, and the Indian Olympic Association, CAS deferred its verdict multiple times, before ultimately ruling against Vinesh on Wednesday, dismissing her plea.
This ruling was a heartbreaking moment for Vinesh and her supporters. It marked the end of a dream that had been years in the making, leaving a void that would be hard to fill.
An Emotional Farewell
In the wake of her disqualification, Vinesh took to social media to share her feelings with the world. In an emotional post, she recounted her childhood dream of becoming an Olympic champion, a dream that began after the loss of her father. She spoke of the hardships she faced, the sacrifices she made, and the countless hours of training that had gone into preparing for this moment.
“All I want to say is that we did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender, but the clock stopped and the time was not fair. So was my fate,” she wrote, capturing the essence of the unfairness that had befallen her. Vinesh expressed her gratitude to her team, her fellow Indians, and her family, acknowledging the collective effort that had gone into her journey.
“It feels like: the goal that we were working towards and what we had planned to achieve is unfinished, that something might always remain missing, and that things might never be the same again,” she added.
On the day after her disqualification, Vinesh made a heart-wrenching announcement: she was retiring from wrestling. The news shocked her fans and the sports fraternity, who had always seen her as a symbol of resilience and determination.
A Glimmer of Hope
But just when it seemed like Vinesh’s journey had come to an end, she offered a glimmer of hope. On Friday, she hinted that her wrestling career might not be over just yet. In another social media post, Vinesh wrote, “Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing.”
These words reignited hope among her fans, who now believe that Vinesh Phogat’s story is far from over. Her determination to keep fighting, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to her character and her love for the sport.
As Vinesh Phogat’s convoy made its way to her village Balali in Haryana, the tears of disappointment gradually gave way to smiles of gratitude. The people gathered along the route continued to cheer for her, reminding her that she is, and will always be, a champion in their eyes.
Vinesh’s story is one of grit, determination, and an unyielding spirit. Despite the setbacks, she has shown that she will not be defined by a single moment, no matter how heartbreaking it may be. Whether or not she decides to return to wrestling, Vinesh Phogat has already secured her place in the pantheon of Indian sports legends.
In the end, India did not need an Olympic medal to celebrate her. Vinesh Phogat was a champion, is a champion, and will always remain a champion—forever etched in the hearts of millions who believe in her and her incredible journey.
