Vinesh Phogat: A Journey of Resilience and Determination in Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat, at the age of 31, exemplifies the strength of a determined mind striving to heal from the scars of a challenging world. Her life story could inspire fictional narratives that delve into the themes of triumph and despair, showcasing her refusal to give up. She embodies a relentless struggle against adversity, societal expectations, and the misfortunes that have come her way.

With a sharp, defined visage shaped by years of intense training and strict weight management, Vinesh presents the image of an athlete who remains fiercely committed to her aspirations. Her focused and defiant demeanor reflects her inner strength, as evidenced by her declaration, “I will be back on this mat,” made just moments after her recent comeback bout loss.

Consider the sacrifices she made in preparation for her return, including precious time away from her newborn child, only to learn on the eve of her match that she was barred from competing.

Nearly two years after a heartbreaking experience at the Paris Olympics, where a mere 100 grams of excess weight cost her a chance at gold, Vinesh was finally set to return to the mat. The event took place in Gonda, a stronghold of wrestling politics, where she and other wrestlers had previously accused the former Wrestling Federation of India president of sexual harassment.

While many athletes might have succumbed to such a setback, Vinesh's resilience shines through. With three Commonwealth Games gold medals, an Asian Games gold, an Asian Championship gold, and two World Championship bronze medals, her achievements place her among the finest female wrestlers in India.

Following the disappointment in Paris, Vinesh announced her retirement, bidding an emotional farewell to a sport that had been central to her identity. Her Olympic journey was marked by bravery, sacrifice, and an unwavering spirit, bringing her to the brink of glory. The burden of that extra weight left her devastated, as she expressed in an interview, stating, “Uske baad toh maut hai, aage kuwaan peechhe khai” (only death was next… like being between the devil and the deep sea).

Her quest for justice and willingness to speak out transformed her life. She entered politics, won a state election, and embraced motherhood, yet felt a void without the wrestling mat. Vinesh has consistently faced and overcome challenges, from growing up in a conservative society to dealing with personal tragedies, including her father's murder and her mother's battle with cancer, all while achieving international recognition.

While the body can be trained to withstand the rigors of sport, maintaining a resilient mind amidst adversity is far more challenging. What drives her spirit to defy norms and break free from conventional patterns?

Vinesh often reflects on her mother's struggles, stating, “If a single woman (her mother), illiterate, could fight society on her own and raise us as successful wrestlers, then we can do it too. I won medals, but if we win this battle, she will proudly say, ‘I gave birth to them.’”

Now, three years later, she is back with renewed vigor. While her mother remains her greatest inspiration, her young son has become a driving force behind her pursuit of what many deem impossible.

As she puts it, “When I returned from the Olympics, I didn’t want to be with my family. Then Kridhav (her son) came into our lives. If I train, I do it for him. When he grows older, I want him to learn from my journey. I want him to understand that no matter how formidable the challenge, he must fight until the end. History remembers those who stand up. Jhansi Ki Rani is remembered for her bravery on the battlefield.”

After being denied the chance to compete in Gonda, she sought legal recourse, leading the Supreme Court to instruct the Wrestling Federation of India to allow her participation in the Asian Games trials. Although she did not secure a spot, her performance was commendable, reaching the semi-finals, and she remains determined to qualify for the Olympics. Despite the challenges ahead, the wrestling community can expect more captivating chapters in her story. If resilience, bravery, and an unwavering spirit define greatness, Vinesh Phogat is undoubtedly a strong contender.

  — The writer is the author of ‘Not Quite Cricket’ and ‘Not Just Cricket’