The Inspiring Journey of Vinesh Phogat: From Humble Beginnings to a National Hero

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She quit the sport following her disqualification from the women's 50 kg freestyle event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she reached the final and was assured a medal, but in the aftermath, the Olympic dream shattered. She announced her choice on the social media network 'X,' formerly known as Twitter.

“Mother wrestling won the match against me, I lost. Forgive me. Your dream, my courage is all broken, I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness”

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 after exceeding the weight limit by 100g during the final weigh-in for the women's freestyle 50kg event. Vinesh had created history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout at this event. She earlier achieved a historic triumph at the Asian Games 2018, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal. However, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, she turned out to be disqualified for being overweight ahead of her match against American Sarah Hildebrandt in the finals. 

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Appeals To CAS Against Disqualification, Seeks Restoration Of Silver

Vinesh Phogat's Earlier Life and Education

Talking about her background Vinesh Phogat, a notable Indian wrestler, was born on August 25, 1994, in Bhiwani, Haryana. Coming from a wrestling family, her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat, a Dronacharya Awardee and respected wrestling coach, played an important role in her early exposure to the sport.

Growing up and living in a country where cultural standards often forbade women from participating in athletics presented Vinesh Phogat with great difficulty. Still, her family's wrestling past ingrained in her the will and ambition to honour their legacy. She started intense training under the direction of her uncle, and this was vital for her growth as an athlete.

Early in her schooling, Vinesh attended KCM Senior Secondary School in Jhojhu Kalan. At Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, she continued her studies and graduated. Her development into the skilled wrestler she went on to become has been greatly aided by her strong intellectual background and rigorous wrestling instruction.

Vinesh Phogat’s Career Highlights

•  2018 Asian Games: Gold Medallist
•  2022, 2019 Senior World Championships: Bronze Medals
•  2020, 2016 Senior Asian Championships: Bronze Medals
•  2018, 2017, 2015 Senior Asian Championships: Silver Medals
•  2022, 2018, 2014 Commonwealth Games: Gold Medals
• Arjuna Award (2014)
• Padma Shri (2022)

Young female athletes in India have found encouragement in Vinesh Phogat's passion for wrestling and many successes. Not only for her achievements in wrestling but also for the development of women's athletic involvement, she is considered a fundamental figure in Indian sports history.