Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a heartbreaking disqualification and subsequent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite the setbacks, Phogat’s resilience and determination have shone through, earning her the admiration and support of the nation.
Upon her arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Phogat was greeted by a throng of cheering fans and a thick security cover. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears, consoled by teammates Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.
Phogat’s disqualification stemmed from being found 100 grams overweight on the day of her historic gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg wrestling. Despite her impressive victories in the previous rounds, including a triumph over four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan, her podium finish was nullified.
Undeterred, Phogat and her team appealed to CAS for a joint silver medal. However, after several deferrals, CAS ultimately ruled against her plea. In an emotional social media post, Phogat expressed her disappointment and the hardships she had faced throughout her journey.
Despite the setback, Phogat has hinted at a possible return to wrestling. “Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032,” she wrote. “I can’t predict what the future holds for me, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in.”
Phogat’s unwavering spirit and the outpouring of support she has received serve as a testament to her indomitable character. While her Olympic dream may have been cut short, her legacy as a champion and an inspiration to countless young athletes remains intact.
