Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, is on the brink of winning India’s first gold medal at the Paris Games.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey has been marked by formidable challenges, including a torn ligament and competing in a lower-weight category against an unbeaten world champion.
In May last year, Phogat faced another challenge off the mat. Alongside fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, she demanded the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Bris Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing several female athletes. The protest led to dramatic scenes at Jantar Mantar, where police forcefully detained the wrestlers, sparking national outrage and support from prominent athletes like Neeraj Chopra.
The WFI eventually suspended Singh, who did not participate in subsequent elections. Sanjay Singh, the new president, also faced opposition.
Phogat returned to competition in February 2024, clinching the national title in the 55kg category. In March, she won in the 50kg category at the selection trials for the Asian wrestling championships and Asian Olympic Games qualifier. By April, she secured an Olympic quota in the women’s 50kg category, reaching the finals of the Asian Olympic qualifier.
Vinesh Phogat is poised to make history at the Olympics, having already defeated several top competitors, including the reigning Olympic champion and world number one, Yui Susaki. With all her achievements and the obstacles she has overcome, Phogat has proven herself a champion, regardless of the outcome of her next match.
