Survival has 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.
– Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat has become a national phenomenon. An iconic and inspiring role model. A fighter par excellence!
Never before has the country, or its sports world, witnessed such a dignified, spirited and inspiring icon. Every tear she has shed after the Paris Olympics, has been shared as a moment of deep and intimate sorrow by Indians across the spectrum. Especially girls and women.
Vinesh Phogat has now made a permanent place in every heart of every Indian. And it is going to stay that way, for a long, long time.
In an open letter after the Summer Olympics, she has written a text which is replete with humility and resilience, and reflects how humble and strong she has been, even after the tragedy she has faced in Paris. “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 dreamt 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…
“My father, an ordinary bus driver, would tell me that one day he would see his daughter fly high on a plane, while he would drive on the road below; that only I would turn my father’s dreams into reality. I don’t want to say it, but I think I was his favourite child, because I was the youngest of the three. When he used to tell me about this, I used to laugh at the absurd thought of it, it did not mean much to me…
“My mother, who could have a whole story written on the hardships of her life, only dreamt that all her children would one day live a life better than she did. Being independent, and her kids being up on their own feet, was enough of a dream for her. Her wishes and dreams were much more simple than my father’s…”
Who would have expected such a huge crowd of fans and supporters who thronged the Delhi international airport, and lined the streets, as her open van travelled through a sea of flowers and unbridled admiration! Tears flowing from her face, she was flanked by her comrades, champions, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.
In her homeland, the villagers, family, friends and relatives gathered to celebrate her glorious return back to her country. As songs played as backdrop, she resolved that her fight is on, and that she is not going to back out.
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She struck a heartening and happy note when she said that given the love showered on her by the people of this country, she might return to the mat. After all the bad news which shadowed her grand victory and tragic loss in Paris, this is real good news.
The authentic place for a world champion is in the arena where she excels the most. Nothing less can be accepted.
Yes, she should.
While the entire nation, especially women are shocked and outraged by yet another brutal violation of the body and soul of a young girl, this time a talented woman doctor in Kolkata, the symbol of Vinesh as an icon stands as a moment of respite.
So why was her Silver Medal snatched from her? For a hundred gram weight gain?
There are widespread speculations and uncanny questions which remain unanswered.
When she had specialized in the 53 kg category, why was she arbitrarily shifted to the 50 kg category?
This is why she had to suddenly lose weight to gain entry into that category. “I had no clarity about the 53 kg quota situation, whether there would be trials or not. Usually, the quota is won by the country, but they hadn’t held trials before. The ad-hoc committee said that it wouldn’t be the case this time. I had no option but to do this, because I have to participate in the Olympics,” she said. (The Indian Express).
The confusion and uncertainty, certainly, made a serious impact on her self-confidence. She is a fighter, in the wrestling ring, as much on the streets, where she, along with her comrades, took on the might of a BJP bahubali, backed by the entire establishment, led by the prime minister.
Her Olympic debut began at the 2016 Rio Games in the 48 kg category. The entire world noticed the grit and special skills of this young girl from a humble village home in Haryana. While her struggle with weight continued, she moved to the 53 kg category.
Predictably, she was victorious in the 2019 World Championship, winning the Bronze. Then she went on to win a Bronze Medal in the 53 kg category in the 2022 World Championships.
Nenad Lalovic, head of the United World Wrestling, understood her dilemma. He said that it was not a question of one kg, to reach the 100 gram figure was an extremely difficult task.
While she deserves a well-deserved retreat with her family and friends, the nation must recognize, how she and other wrestling champions were hounded by a ruthless and insensitive establishment. Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with Vinesh Phogat, had to wage a protracted struggle for the dignity and honour of their fellow women wrestlers, including a minor, against all odds.
Barring the fanatic Hindutva brigade and their vicious trolls, they were backed by the entire country, especially girls and women. That is why the prime minister’s message to Vinesh did not sound convincing. It was like pouring salt on a simmering wound.
The wound will take a long time to heal. The admiration and love showered on her by the people of this country will certainly help to heal the anger and angst.
We are all waiting for that golden day when she will return to her favourite time and space — the wrestling ring. Undoubtedly, that day will be a celebration for us, and for all those who have followed her grit and determination all over the world.
Vinesh Phogat, you are a winner, all the way! Salute!
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