From Delhi protests to Paris podiums: Phogat's unmatched triumph on and off the mat

New Delhi: Months before achieving her long-cherished dream of winning an Olympic medal, Vinesh Phogat faced significant adversity. Furious yet resolute, she battled intimidation, police detention, backlash from a protest she led, and a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation. Rather than succumbing to despair, Phogat's anger against her detractors turned into a driving force that ultimately helped her become India's first female wrestler to reach the Olympics finals after two previous attempts spanning 12 years.

Phogat's journey was far from smooth. As she set her sights on the Paris Olympics, she encountered a fresh set of challenges. She had to drop to the 50kg weight class after competing in the 53kg category for over five years. Alongside this weight transition, she faced multiple issues with trial bouts ahead of the Olympic qualifiers. Adding to the difficulty, she underwent knee surgery years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics nearly ended her career.

For Phogat, a wrestler from Haryana whose path to the French capital was fraught with obstacles, the stakes were high. Many would have given up, but she chose to rise above. Her resilience and determination propelled her to switch into top gear, reflecting her indomitable spirit and years of hard work.

Phogat's extraordinary journey culminated in a historic medal in Paris, the colour of which will be revealed on Wednesday. For now, she has secured a silver, serving as a powerful rebuttal to critics in the national federation who had disparaged her role in the prolonged protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of intimidation and sexual harassment. 

During the protests, police and courts became involved, and government intervention added to the chaos, causing inconvenience in Delhi. Critics doubted Phogat’s motives, but the wrestler, approaching her 30th birthday, grew more determined. Her unwavering resolve and confidence became crucial in her pursuit of Olympic glory.

Phogat’s career has been a blend of on-mat success and off-mat battles. Her struggles off the field, particularly against powerful figures and systemic issues, prepared her well for competition. When she arrived in Paris, she faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a formidable opponent with an undefeated record and four world championships.

In a stunning upset, Phogat defeated Susaki, marking one of wrestling's biggest surprises. She then overcame eighth seed Oksana Livach of Ukraine to advance to the semifinals in the women’s 50kg freestyle event. Overcoming these obstacles, Phogat reached the semifinals, securing her place as the first Indian woman wrestler to make it to the Olympic finals.

Despite the emotional highs, Phogat’s journey was not without hardship. From challenging the perception of wrestling as a male-dominated sport in her village to the loss of her father at a young age and confronting powerful federation officials, her path was fraught with difficulties. Yet, she pressed on with unwavering dedication and belief in her dreams.

In the semifinals, Phogat continued her impressive performance by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, earning a medal and securing her spot in the finals. As she lay on the mat, tears of joy streaming down her face, the enormity of her achievement began to sink in. 

The wrestling world body congratulated Phogat on social media, stating, "Believe and you can fly." Her journey from facing societal and institutional challenges to reaching the pinnacle of her sport embodies this message.

Phogat's career is a testament to courage, perseverance, and self-belief. Her triumph in Paris is not just a personal victory but a symbol of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers. PTI