Vinesh Phogat: A Voice of Determination Amidst Adversity in Politics
Vinesh Phogat’s journey is a testament to strength, resilience, and courage, both on and off the wrestling mat. As one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, she has faced adversity at every step of her career, from personal tragedy to systemic hurdles within the sports establishment. Yet, through sheer willpower and determination, she has carved out a legacy for herself that transcends sport. Now, as Vinesh embarks on a new journey by joining Indian politics, her commitment to bringing about change, despite relentless trolling and public scrutiny, deserves wholehearted support.
The Early Struggles: A Childhood of Loss and Hardship
Vinesh Phogat’s life has been fraught with challenges since her early years. Born into the famous Phogat family in Balali, Haryana, Vinesh lost her father when she was just nine years old. Raised by her mother Prem Lata, who fought cancer, Vinesh found her strength in her family, particularly her uncle Mahavir Phogat, who trained her alongside her cousins Geeta and Babita Phogat. However, training as a female wrestler in a patriarchal village came with its share of societal criticism. Neighbors taunted the family, accusing Mahavir Phogat of ruining his daughters’ prospects by making them “manly” and “undesirable” for marriage. Vinesh, however, used this criticism as fuel to push herself further in the sport she loved.
A Rising Star: From Local Competitions to International Glory
Vinesh’s early successes at the international level, including a silver medal in the 2013 World Youth Championship and bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championship, marked the beginning of her rise to stardom. However, it was her gold medal victory at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that cemented her place as one of India’s premier athletes. At just 20 years old, she emerged victorious in the 48 kg category, defeating a British wrestler with an 11-8 score. Her success was not merely a personal triumph but a victory for women in Indian sports, proving that with the right support, they could excel on the global stage.
The Rio Setback: A Painful Injury and Emotional Turmoil
The 2016 Rio Olympics were supposed to be Vinesh’s crowning moment, but instead, it became one of the most difficult periods of her career. After a stunning victory in her first Olympic match against Romania’s Emilia Vuc, Vinesh faced China’s Sun Yanan in the quarter-finals. During the match, she suffered a devastating ACL injury, which required her to be stretchered off the mat. The injury was so severe that Vinesh doubted whether she would ever wrestle again. In interviews, she later revealed that the emotional toll of this injury left her in tears for days, as she grappled with the uncertainty of her future in wrestling.
The Tokyo Olympics and a New Battle
Despite her injury, Vinesh made a remarkable comeback, winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and becoming the first Indian woman to win gold at the Asian Games. However, the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 presented new challenges. Vinesh entered the games as the world number one in her weight class and was widely expected to secure a medal for India. Yet, far from the eyes of the public, she was battling personal demons. In the years leading up to the Olympics, Vinesh had been diagnosed with depression, a condition exacerbated by the pressures of her sport and a lack of adequate support from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
At the Tokyo Olympics, despite her best efforts, Vinesh faced a series of obstacles that left her feeling abandoned by the very institutions that should have supported her. The lack of a dedicated physiotherapist, despite repeated requests, hampered her performance, and Vinesh struggled through her matches, eventually losing in the quarter-finals. What followed was a barrage of criticism from the public and the media. Vinesh, who had given her all to represent her country, was now being accused of indiscipline, suspended by the WFI, and left to defend herself against baseless allegations(vinesh).
Trolling and Double Standards in Indian Sports
One of the most glaring injustices faced by Vinesh is the double standards in the treatment of athletes who have ventured into politics. When sports personalities like Ravindra Jadeja and Saina Nehwal joined the BJP, they were lauded for their decisions. Yet, when Vinesh Phogat raised her voice against the establishment and entered the political arena, she became a target of intense online trolling. Social media platforms were flooded with vile comments attacking her for her stance, often based on misinformation and political bias.
The fact that Vinesh is a vocal critic of the government and its policies makes her a target for relentless attacks. This was evident when she led the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the WFI President accused of sexual harassment. Along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, Vinesh bravely stood up for the rights of athletes, demanding accountability and justice. In a country where male athletes are often shielded from scrutiny, Vinesh’s experience highlights the entrenched sexism and political bias that exists within Indian sports(vinesh).
The Decision to Join Politics: A Natural Progression
For someone who has spent her entire life fighting battles, both personal and professional, entering politics is a natural progression for Vinesh Phogat. Her decision to join politics is not a retreat from wrestling but an extension of her desire to bring about meaningful change in society. Having experienced firsthand the systemic failures within the sports administration, Vinesh is well-positioned to advocate for the rights of athletes and push for reforms that will ensure future generations do not face the same obstacles.
Furthermore, Vinesh’s entry into politics comes at a crucial time for India, as the country grapples with issues of corruption, inequality, and gender-based violence. Her presence in the political sphere, with her deep understanding of these issues and her unwavering commitment to justice, is exactly what the country needs.
A Role Model for Women and Youth
Vinesh Phogat’s life story serves as an inspiration not only for athletes but for women and youth across India. In a society where women are often told to stay within the confines of tradition, Vinesh has broken free of these limitations, proving that women can excel in any field they choose, be it sports or politics. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her refusal to be silenced by trolls or critics make her a role model for young girls who aspire to challenge the status quo.
Moreover, Vinesh’s willingness to speak out against injustice, even when it comes at great personal cost, is a lesson in bravery and integrity. Her story is a reminder that success is not just about winning medals or accolades, but about standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or difficult.
Supporting Vinesh in Her Political Journey
As Vinesh Phogat takes her first steps into the political arena, it is crucial that we stand by her, just as she has stood by her fellow athletes and fought for their rights. The trolling she faces on social media is nothing more than an attempt to silence a powerful voice, but Vinesh has shown time and again that she will not be cowed by such tactics. Her determination to bring about change, whether in the world of sports or in Indian society at large, is something that should be celebrated, not vilified.
In supporting Vinesh Phogat’s political journey, we are not only backing an accomplished athlete but also a woman of extraordinary strength and character. Her life has been one of struggle and perseverance, and her foray into politics is yet another chapter in her ongoing fight for justice and equality. Vinesh Phogat has already won our hearts; now, it is time to support her as she seeks to win the battle for a better India.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-keep-proving-brij-bhushan-wrong-vinesh-phogat-101725840226672.html
