Resilient wrestler Vinesh Phogat expressed that under "different circumstances," she could envision competing until 2032 because she believes there's still plenty of wrestling left in her. However, she now feels uncertain about her future, fearing that things "might never be the same again."
Vinesh had previously announced her retirement following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg final due to being overweight by 100 grams. Although she challenged the ruling in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), her appeal was ultimately dismissed.
In a heartfelt social media post, Vinesh reflected on her childhood dreams, the challenges she faced after losing her father, and acknowledged the contributions of those who supported her throughout her extraordinary journey, which ended in heartbreak in Paris.
"...all I want to say is that we did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender but the clock stopped and the time was not fair. So was my fate," she shared, referencing the work she and her team put in before the second-day weigh-in.
She addressed her team, fellow Indians, and family, expressing a sense of incompletion: "It feels like: the goal that we were working towards and what we had planned to achieve is unfinished, that something might always remain missing, and that things might never be the same again."
Reflecting on the potential for a different path, she noted, "Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing."
Despite the heartache of her disqualification, Vinesh honored those who were part of her remarkable journey, attributing much of her fighting spirit to her mother.
She praised her coach Woller Akos, stating he doesn't believe in the word ‘impossible,’ and described Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala as an angel.
Dr. Pardiwala, who led the 13-member medical team arranged by the IOA for the Indian contingent in Paris, faced criticism after Vinesh ended up 100 grams over the 50kg limit. IOA President PT Usha defended Dr. Pardiwala.
"For me, and I think for many other Indian athletes, he is not just a doctor but an angel in disguise sent by god. When I had stopped believing in myself after facing injuries, it was his belief, work, and faith in me that got me back on my feet again," Vinesh expressed.
She continued, "He has operated on me not once but thrice (both knees and one elbow) and has shown me how resilient the human body can be. His dedication, kindness, and honesty towards his work and towards Indian sports is something no one will doubt including God. I’m forever grateful to him and his entire team for their work and dedication." Vinesh also credited her Belgian coach, Akos, with helping her win two World Championship medals and reshaping her game.
"Anything I write about him will always be less. In the world of Women’s Wrestling, I have found him to be the best coach, best guide and best human, able to handle any situation with his calmness, patience and confidence," she wrote.
"He does not have the word impossible in his dictionary and he is always ready with a plan whenever we face a tough situation on or off the mat. There were times when I doubted myself, and was shifting away from my internal focus and he would know exactly what to say and how to bring me back on my path." Vinesh emphasized that Akos was never eager to take credit for her success, but she felt it was important to give him the recognition he deserved.
Reflecting on her challenging childhood, where she lost her father and her mother battled cancer, Vinesh said that the struggle for survival taught her many lessons.
She recounted her childhood dreams of having long hair and owning a mobile phone, but acknowledged that her hardships made life difficult, particularly during her early years.
"...survival taught me a lot. Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-give-up attitude and fighting spirit is what makes me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think about courage I think about her and it is this courage that helps me fight every fight without thinking about the outcome."
Despite the tough road ahead, Vinesh said her family never lost faith in God, trusting that He had a plan for them. "Mother always said God will never let bad things happen to good people," she added.
She also highlighted the unwavering support of her husband, Somvir Rathi, who always protected her: "...To say we were equal partners when we faced a challenge would be wrong, for he sacrificed at each step and took my hardships, shielding me always. He placed my journey above his and offered his companionship with utmost loyalty, dedication and honesty. If not for him, I cannot imagine being here, continuing my fight and taking each day head-on."
Vinesh also recognized the important roles played by trainer Wayne Patrick Lombard and physio Ashwini Jeevan Patil in her career.
Read also| Vinesh Phogat's Appeal Rejected by CAS; IOA President PT Usha Voices Disbelief
