Indian wrestler VineshPhogat's return to India was marked by an emotional and grand receptionfollowing her Paris 2024 Olympics campaign. Arriving at Indira GandhiInternational Airport in New Delhi, Phogat was welcomed with an outpouring ofnational pride. Her arrival was met with an exuberant display of support fromfans, family, and fellow wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Puniaand Sakshi Malik. The sight of Phogat, adorned with numerous garlands and ridingin an open Jeep, conveyed the deep appreciation and respect the nation held forher.
Vinesh's Olympicjourney was both triumphant and heartbreaking. She had been poised to makehistory as the first Indian woman to compete in a wrestling final at the Olympics.Her path to the final was marked by extraordinary victories, includingdefeating the defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan, European championOksana Livach of Ukraine, and Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman ofCuba. Each win was a testament to her skill and determination, bringing hercloser to achieving her Olympic dream.
However, her historicrun was marred by a disqualification due to being overweight just before thegold medal bout against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA. Despite taking drasticmeasures to cut weight, Vinesh was found marginally overweight during themandatory weigh-in, leading to her disqualification. This turn of events was acrushing blow, abruptly ending her quest for Olympic glory and leaving herdevastated.
On the flight back toIndia, Phogat was accompanied by Gagan Narang, India’s Chef-de-Mission at Paris2024. Narang took to social media to express his admiration for Phogat’sspirit, writing, “She came as a champion on Day 1 into the Games Village and shewill always remain our champion. Sometimes one doesn’t need an Olympic medal toinspire a billion dreams.” Narang's words highlighted the respect and reverencethat Phogat commanded, regardless of the outcome of her Olympic journey.
In the days following herdisqualification, Vinesh Phogat posted an open letter on social media, offeringher reflections on her Olympic experience and personal life. The letterpoignantly described her early life in a small village, her father's dreams ofseeing her achieve great heights, and the hardships her family endured afterhis passing. Phogat wrote, “My father, an ordinary bus driver, would tell methat one day he would see his daughter fly high in a plane while he would driveon the road below... When he used to tell me about this I used to laugh at theabsurd thought of it.” Her father's aspirations for her became a guiding lightin her journey, even amidst significant personal challenges.
Phogat's letter alsoreflected on the impact of her mother's battle with stage 3 cancer and thesacrifices her family made. She wrote about how survival taught her resilienceand how her mother’s courage inspired her to fight for what was rightfullyhers. “Seeing my mother's hardships, never-give-up attitude and fighting spiritis what makes me the way I am,” she said. The letter highlighted the profoundeffect of these experiences on her determination and outlook on life.
Phogat expressed deepgratitude for the support she received from her medical team and coaches. Shepraised Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, calling him “an angel in disguise sent by god,”for his pivotal role in her recovery from injuries. She also acknowledged Dr.Wayne Patrick Lombard’s contributions, describing him as an elder brother whoprovided invaluable support during her rehabilitation. Phogat’s letter noted,“Dr Wayne Patrick Lombard… taught me how to take one day at a time and everysession with him has felt like a natural stressbuster.”
In addition to hermedical support, Phogat lauded her coach Woller Akos for his unwaveringdedication and guidance. “In the world of Women's Wrestling, I have found himto be the best coach, best guide and best human,” she wrote. Akos’s calmdemeanor and confidence were instrumental in helping her navigate difficultsituations both on and off the mat. Phogat also praised Ashwini Jeevan Patil,her physiotherapist, for her exceptional care and dedication. “She went throughthis journey with me like it was her own,” Phogat wrote, highlighting thepersonal and professional bond they shared.
Vinesh Phogat’s returnand her open letter showcased her resilience and the significant role of hersupport network. Despite the heartbreak of her disqualification at Paris 2024,her journey remains a powerful testament to her strength, determination, andthe enduring impact of those who stood by her side throughout her career.
