Vinesh Phogat, an Indian wrestler who made history as the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic finals, has been disqualified from the gold medal match due to being slightly over the weight limit for her category.
Despite this setback, she continues to be celebrated online for her courage and determination, with many expressing disappointment over the ruling but admiration for her resilience. Phogat’s activism against sexual harassment, particularly her role in exposing misconduct within Indian wrestling, has further cemented her status as a hero.
Phogat’s journey to the finals was marked by impressive victories, including a win against the reigning Olympic gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan. She was set to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt from Team USA in the final.
However, her disqualification, due to a minor weight discrepancy, has overshadowed her athletic achievements. The Indian Olympic Association requested privacy for Phogat and did not elaborate further on the disqualification.
Phogat is widely regarded as a symbol of strength and advocacy for women’s rights in India, particularly in sports. Last year, she led a group of wrestlers in a high-profile protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Vinesh Phogat
The protests led to significant public attention and legal action against Singh, who denied the allegations but was charged with multiple offenses.
The protests organized by Phogat and her fellow athletes were intense and prolonged, involving public demonstrations and clashes with authorities. They sought to create a safer environment for female wrestlers and succeeded in bringing the issue to the national spotlight.
Phogat’s determination to stand up to powerful figures in Indian sports has earned her widespread respect and admiration, transcending her role as an athlete.
In the wake of her disqualification, public figures and fans alike have rallied around Phogat, praising her not just for her athletic prowess but for her unwavering stand against injustice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leaders have acknowledged her bravery, with many on social media highlighting her role as a role model for future generations. Phogat’s legacy, they argue, goes far beyond winning medals, as she continues to inspire with her resilience and advocacy for change.
