Life is a constant struggle, where every step feels like a new battle, and success is often contingent on support. This sentiment resonates deeply with the life of Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler who turned 29 on August 25, 2024. Her journey has been riddled with hardships, both inside and outside the wrestling mat. While she has fought valiantly to achieve success in her sport, her story is also one of resilience against life’s myriad challenges, with support from her mother and family serving as her backbone.
Early Struggles and Tragedy
Born on August 25, 1994, Vinesh’s struggles began at a tender age of nine. On October 25, 2003, just a week before Diwali, her life took a tragic turn. On this day, as families across India celebrated Karva Chauth—a day when wives fast for the longevity of their husbands—Vinesh’s mother, Prem Lata, faced the devastating loss of her husband.
A Shocking Loss
Rajpal, Vinesh Phogat’s father, who worked as a driver for Haryana Roadways, was shot dead by a relative outside their home. The first bullet struck his chest, while the second hit his forehead, ending his life in an instant. Witnessing her husband’s blood-soaked body on a day dedicated to love and devotion shattered Prem Lata, yet in her grief, she found the strength to care for her children. It was in that moment that she transformed her sadness into a new purpose, ensuring that her children, especially Vinesh, would be taken care of.
Support from Family: A Path to Champion
In an interview with BBC, Vinesh emphasized her mother’s sacrifices in making her a champion wrestler: “My mother’s dedication and efforts to ensure my success are something I can never forget. I will always be grateful to her.” Alongside her mother, Vinesh received unwavering support from her uncle, Mahavir Phogat, who had a significant influence in shaping her career. Rajpal’s wish was for his daughter to become a champion wrestler, and his dreams were upheld by Mahavir, known for coaching wrestlers like Geeta and Babita. Vinesh stated that her uncle made her feel the absence of her father less acutely.
Celebrating Achievements: Welcome Back from Paris
Throughout her career, Vinesh has enjoyed celebration after celebration, especially when returning home from international championships. However, her reception after the Paris Olympics shortly before her 29th birthday was particularly memorable. Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals of the Olympic wrestling event. Unfortunately, she was disqualified due to weighing 100 grams more than the required limit during the weigh-in for the women’s 50 kg wrestling event.
Fighting Battles on and off the Mat
Paris marked the conclusion of Vinesh’s Olympic journey, as she announced her retirement following a controversial disqualification. Her Olympic debut was in Rio, where she suffered a knee injury in the quarterfinals and spent a year and a half away from the sport. After her comeback, she astonished everyone with her performance but did not fare as expected in the Tokyo Olympics.
Standing Up for Rights: A Different Kind of Battle
Apart from her achievements in wrestling, Vinesh has also made headlines for her activism against sexual harassment in sports. She took a courageous stand against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, when allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. This advocacy highlights her fierce spirit and commitment to fighting for justice.
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of struggle, resilience, and triumph. Whether grappling on the mat or standing against societal injustices, she exemplifies strength and determination. As she continues to inspire the next generation of wrestlers, her journey reminds us that true champions are not just defined by their medals but also by their courage to fight life’s battles.
