Worth her Weight in Gold - Vinesh Phogat
OPINION
OPINION

Worth Her Weight In Gold

Worth her Weight in Gold - Vinesh Phogat

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.

ALSO READ: Look Ma, They Stole My Medal!

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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Aditi
Aditi
2 months ago

It was indeed heart wrenching to see her announce her retirement form wrestling, it felt like all the hope for it to get better has been vanished all of a sudden, I don’t know if it’s just me or every one could see the stuffed Rage behind her tears and announcement (which was indeed virtuous)

Umesh Kumari
Umesh Kumari
2 months ago

Vinesh Phogat’s journey has been a remarkable tale of strength and perseverance. From her debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics to her victories at the World Championships, she has faced and overcome numerous obstacles with unwavering courage. The recent struggles and lack of support she faced only highlight her resilience and dedication. Despite the challenges, she has stood up for herself and other women wrestlers, showing immense bravery.

Her story is a testament to her spirit and the support of countless fans who believe in her. The entire nation is eagerly waiting for her triumphant return to the wrestling ring, where she truly belongs.

“Vinesh, your journey is an inspiration to us all. We admire your strength and determination and are excited to see you back, shining even brighter. Keep fighting and stay strong!”

Last edited 2 months ago by Umesh Kumari
Sneha
Sneha
2 months ago

Absolutely! I think this opinion does a fantastic job of showcasing Vinesh Phogat’s incredible journey and resilience. It highlights not only her achievements in wrestling but also the broader social issues she faces as a female athlete. Her determination to fight against systemic injustices is truly inspiring and serves as a powerful message for aspiring athletes everywhere.

The way connects her personal struggles with the collective fight for dignity and respect in sports really adds depth to her story. It’s uplifting to see how much support she receives from the public, especially from women, showing that her journey resonates with so many.

Riya Gupta
Riya Gupta
2 months ago

The story of Vinesh Phogat is incredibly inspiring and highlights the immense resilience and determination she has shown despite facing numerous challenges. Her journey from a small village to becoming a national icon is a testament to her strength, not just as an athlete but as a person. The way she handled the setback at the Paris Olympics, especially the unfair circumstances regarding her weight category, reflects her grace under pressure. It’s also a reminder of the systemic issues that athletes often face, which can be discouraging. Yet, Vinesh’s unwavering spirit and her resolve to continue fighting, both on and off the mat, make her a true role model for all. The nation’s outpouring of love and support shows just how much she means to people, especially women who see her as a beacon of hope and courage. Vinesh Phogat is not just a sports star; she’s a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

Asin Poddar
Asin Poddar
2 months ago

Vinesh Phogat had really an incredible journey as a wrestler and how she has become an inspiration for many, especially women. It highlights her strength and determination, even after facing a tough loss at the Paris Olympics. The challenges she faced, like being forced to compete in a different weight category, which might have affected her performance . Despite these difficulties, Vinesh remains a symbol of courage, and people across the country are eager to see her back in the wrestling ring. This article also notes how Vinesh’s story gives hope and strength to those fighting against injustice.

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