Vinesh Phogat is understandbly going through deep trauma. In the spotlight of global sports, wrestling has long been a battlefield not just of strength, but of resilience, perseverance, and grit. For women wrestlers, however, the fight extends far beyond the mat. The recent plea of Vinesh Phogat against her Olympic disqualification, accepted by the ad-hoc panel of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, brings to the forefront the dark side of the sport and the myriad struggles faced by female wrestlers. Sumita Chakraborty, Founder and Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz delves into the depths of this sordid drama at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Vinesh Phogat – A Winner
Vinesh Phogat is not just a name; she is a symbol of hope, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her achievements have inspired countless young women to take up the sport, believing in a future where talent and hard work are recognized and rewarded. But her recent battle, not against an opponent on the mat, but against the very system that is supposed to uplift and support athletes, sheds light on the darker, often hidden, side of sports.
Struggle
Phogat’s ordeal reached its peak in the 50 kg weight category, where she was competing for a chance to represent India on the Olympic stage. In a harrowing turn of events on August 7, Vinesh was disqualified after being found 100 grams overweight ahead of her 50 kg freestyle final against Sarah. Despite her extraordinary efforts—going without food, refraining from drinking water, and even drawing blood from herself to make ‘weight’ — she narrowly missed the mark by 100 gms.
The result was devastating: Vinesh finished last in the final standings, while Cuba’s Lopez, whom she had defeated in the semifinals, advanced to face Sarah in the gold-medal match. Sarah ultimately won the final, leaving Vinesh to contend not only with the physical toll but the emotional and psychological blow of seeing her Olympic dreams shattered.
A Ray Of Hope
The acceptance of Phogat’s plea is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning of a much larger conversation. The hearing scheduled in Paris is not just about one athlete’s fight for justice, but a reflection of the ongoing struggle of women wrestlers globally. These athletes, who dedicate their lives to the sport, should not have to face additional battles outside the ring. Yet, the reality is that they are constantly forced to navigate a landscape fraught with obstacles, from gender bias to inadequate support systems.
Fight For Every Woman Wrestler
As we await the outcome of the hearing in Paris, it is crucial to remember that this is not just Vinesh Phogat’s fight. It is a fight for every woman who has ever dared to dream of stepping into the ring and who continues to push forward in the face of adversity. The sports world needs to take a hard look at how it treats its female athletes and make the necessary changes to ensure that talent, hard work, and dedication are the only criteria that matter.
The struggle of women wrestlers is a reflection of a larger issue. It is a battle that is far from over, but with athletes like Vinesh Phogat leading the charge, there is hope that change is on the horizon. The question is, will the world of sports rise to the occasion, or will it continue to turn a blind eye to the woes of women wrestlers? The answer lies not just in the outcome of the hearing in Paris, but in the collective actions of the sports community in the days and years to come.
