Up But Out: On Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Campaign

It proved to be a tale of so near and yet so far for Vinesh Phogat on a sombre Wednesday in Paris. 

On Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Campaign

• The 29-year-old wrestler with roots in Haryana was in red-hot form and seemingly the force was with her in the women’s 50kg segment. 
• However, hours before the summit clash against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States, Vinesh’s Olympic dreams of winning a gold fizzled out. 
• In the acutely razor-sharp lines that distinguish weight categories especially in combat sport, India’s ace wrestler was found to be 100 grams above the stipulated 50kg at the 7.15 a.m. mandatory weigh-in before the final bout.
• This was heartbreak of the extreme kind for the athlete and the funereal effect rippled through an expectant nation hoping for a gold or at least a silver. 
• Having weighed 49.90kg on Tuesday morning, Vinesh acquired a massive halo through the day, toppling defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan and eventually getting past Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinal. 
• At the mixed media zone, Vinesh waved to the scribes but refrained from having a chat. 
• The alarm bells, though, were ringing loud and clear within the Indian contingent as Vinesh and her support staff were conscious about her latest weight being 52.7kg.
• Rules are sacrosanct, and Vinesh found herself at the wrong end and her retirement announcement has left Indian sport poorer, while she still awaits the verdict of the authorities over her appeal for a joint silver medal consideration.

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Conclusion

Vinesh’s journey, though marred by a weight mishap, showcases her remarkable talent. Her appeal for silver reflects her resilience, inspiring future generations in Indian sports.

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