“At the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh Phogat faced tough challenges both on and off the mat. She was knocked down in matches and faced struggles in her personal life. Despite being labeled ‘khotta sikka’—meaning a counterfeit coin—she persevered. With incredible determination, the 29-year-old wrestler has fought her way to Olympic glory. Now, a gold medal is within reach, and it’s up for grabs on Wednesday.”
**In Short**
– Vinesh Phogat has made it to the Olympic wrestling final, becoming the first Indian woman to do so.
– She was a prominent figure in the wrestlers’ protest in New Delhi last year.
– On Wednesday, Vinesh will face Sarah Hilderbrandt from the USA in the gold medal match.
When Vinesh Phogat entered the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris for her Olympic semi-final, she was introduced as “the talk of the wrestling world.” She achieved something no other Indian female wrestler has by reaching the Olympic final. Her path to this historic moment included defeating Yui Susaki, who had previously been unbeaten in international competition.
In the 50kg category, Vinesh pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic wrestling history. With a brilliant strategy, she made it 82-1 against Yui Susaki. After a tough quarter-final match against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, she won her semi-final bout 5-0, earning a spot in the final. This achievement was a huge boost for a nation that had recently faced several disappointments.
In a brief chat with reporters, Vinesh said, “Kal Baat Karenge” (Let’s talk tomorrow), while acknowledging the support and enthusiasm of the crowd at the arena.
**Paris Olympics 2024: India Schedule | Full Coverage | Medal Tally**
Vinesh Phogat has let her performances speak volumes. On Tuesday, she fought with passion and determination for her country, for redemption, and for the people she stood up for last year. She did all this with incredible grit and grace, proving that she has overcome the tough times that once threatened to derail her career.
While wrestlers like Yui Susaki, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, and Gusman Lopez were preparing for the Paris Olympics and building momentum last year, Vinesh was fighting a different battle. She was at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, protesting on the streets against former wrestling body chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
For almost 15 months, Vinesh didn’t compete on the mat; instead, she fought off the mat. Facing harsh Delhi winters and sleeping under trees, she was up against not just Singh but also the challenges of staying in the spotlight while demanding justice and respect.
Brij Bhushan dismissed the protesting wrestlers, including calling them “khotta sikka” or counterfeit coins, and belittling their achievements. But on Tuesday in Paris, Vinesh showed she is far from that. Her journey from the streets of New Delhi to the Olympic final is one of the most inspiring comebacks in Indian sports history.
**From Delhi to Paris: The Fight Continues**
– **January 2023**: Vinesh, along with other prominent wrestlers like Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Anshu Malik, led a major protest at Jantar Mantar. They were fighting against accusations of sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh revealed she had been mentally harassed and threatened by Singh.
– **April 23, 2023**: Frustrated by inaction, the wrestlers returned to protest, demanding Singh’s arrest and the dissolution of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). They also reported that several female wrestlers had filed complaints against Singh with the police.
– **April 2023**: In response, the Sports Ministry halted WFI elections and directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee the federation. The wrestlers’ push for justice continued, leading them to the Supreme Court, which then took action against the Delhi police.
– **May 2023**: Tensions rose as clashes broke out between the wrestlers and the police. Vinesh and her fellow wrestlers accused the police of brutality. The Supreme Court recognized the need for action but tensions continued, leading to a highly publicized incident involving the wrestlers’ attempt to march to the new Parliament building.
– **June 2023**: The protest paused after assurances from the ex-Sports Minister that the investigation into Singh would proceed and WFI elections would be held.
– **August 15, 2023**: Vinesh had to withdraw from the Asian Games due to a knee injury. She underwent surgery, hoping to return for her third Olympic campaign.
– **December 2023**: In a powerful gesture, Vinesh returned her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, expressing her disillusionment with the state of Indian sports but hoping future athletes would achieve their dreams.
– **February 2024**: Vinesh made a stunning comeback after a 15-month hiatus, winning gold in the 55kg category at the nationals.
– **March 2024**: She showcased her incredible resilience by competing in two Olympic weight categories in one day and winning in the lighter division, securing her place at the Paris Olympics.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Vinesh was a favorite for a medal but had to withdraw due to injury. Tokyo 2020 was another disappointment with an early exit. Off the mat, she faced severe mental health struggles, feeling dejected and unsupported.
But now, Vinesh has fought through all these challenges and has made it to the Olympic final in Paris. Her journey from the streets of New Delhi to the Olympic stage is truly remarkable. As she aims for gold on Wednesday, India will cheer her on with all its heart, proud of her incredible comeback and resilience.