In the Arena of Dreams: Vinesh Phogat’s Journey Beyond Victory
Vinesh Phogat isn’t just a wrestler, she’s a force of nature. Her journey from a small village in Haryana, India, to the global stage of the Olympics is a story that speaks to women everywhere, especially those of us from South Asia, who are chasing our dreams and pushing against the odds.
Wrestling in India has always been seen as a man’s sport, and growing up in a wrestling family, Vinesh knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy. But she didn’t let that stop her. With grit and determination, she stepped into the ring, ready to make her mark.
And she did just that. Vinesh went on to win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and the Asian Championships, proving herself as one of the best in the world. But her ultimate dream was to win an Olympic medal. The road to the Olympics, however, was anything but smooth. A devastating knee injury ended her run at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and in Tokyo 2020, the pressure and mental strain got to her. But Vinesh didn’t give up. She kept fighting, determined to achieve her goal, even as everyone had counted her out.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vinesh was unstoppable. She defeated some of the world’s best wrestlers, including Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion. It seemed like her dream was finally within reach. But in a heartbreaking twist, she was disqualified from the final for being just 100 grams over the weight limit. Just 100 grams—the weight of a small apple—stood between Vinesh and the Olympic medal she had worked so hard for.
But Vinesh’s story isn’t just about what happens on the mat. It’s about standing up for what’s right. Alongside her fellow wrestlers, Vinesh took on powerful figures in Indian sports, leading protests against sexual harassment and demanding justice. The image of Vinesh Phogat at the protests, holding the Indian tricolor while being dragged away by police, became emblematic of her fight. It was not just a protest against one man, it was a rebellion against the culture of silence and complicity that allows such abuse to continue unchecked. Her actions sent a powerful message to women across the country: that they too have the right to demand respect, to fight for their dignity, and to stand against injustice.
Vinesh has shown us all that even when the world feels like it’s against you, you can find the strength to keep going. Her journey sends a strong message to all young women: don’t be afraid to dream big, fight for what you want, and stand up for yourself and others. Vinesh Phogat might not have won an Olympic gold medal, but she’s earned something far more valuable— the admiration of every young girl who dreams of becoming an athlete, for every woman who has faced harassment or discrimination. Vinesh’s voice rang loud and clear, challenging the status quo and demanding change. Her actions have inspired a new generation of South Asian women to stand up for their rights and to pursue their dreams, regardless of the barriers they may face. And all this and the woman that she is cannot be measured by a piece of metal strung together with a string.
References:
Business Standard. "The Vinesh Phogat’s Story of Redemption, Which Remains Unfulfilled in Paris." Business Standard, 7 Aug. 2024, www.business-standard.com/sports/olympics/the-vinesh-phogat-s-story-of-redemption-which-remains-unfulfilled-in-paris-124080701228_1.html.
Carayannis, Michael. "Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Hours before Gold Medal Wrestling Match at Paris 2024." Nine, 7 Aug. 2024, www.nine.com.au/sport/olympics/paris-2024-vinesh-phogat-disqualified-hours-before-gold-medal-wrestling-match-20240807-p5k0i2.html.
Brunt, Cliff. "More Waiting: Decision on Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal Is Delayed." AP News, 11 Aug. 2024, apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-vinesh-phogat-appeal-dee67df4d3bf7015c95f87193915df0e
Vasavda, Mihir. "Paris 2024 Olympics: Vinesh Phogat Denied on the Cusp of Ultimate Glory, Another Entry in Her Diary of Heartbreaks." The Indian Express, 8 Aug. 2024, indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/paris-2024-olympics-vinesh-phogat-disqualified-weight-heartbreak-9500905/.
Vasudevan, Shyam. "How Vinesh Phogat Won the Olympic Medal: Fought with Heart, Thought with Head." ESPN, 7 Aug. 2024, www.espn.com.au/olympics/story/_/id/40750630/wrestling-how-vinesh-phogat-won-olympics-medal-paris-2024.
Carayannis, Michael. "Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Hours before Gold Medal Wrestling Match at Paris 2024." Nine, 7 Aug. 2024, www.nine.com.au/sport/olympics/paris-2024-vinesh-phogat-disqualified-hours-before-gold-medal-wrestling-match-20240807-p5k0i2.html.