Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, is currently contesting the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana on a Congress ticket. As she dives into her election campaign, a recent interview has sparked significant conversation across social media platforms. In this interview, Vinesh candidly shared her feelings of despair and frustration, revealing that there was a time when she contemplated leaving her home country entirely.
Her Turning Point: Motivation from Priyanka Gandhi
Vinesh captured the hearts of millions with her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. However, prior to her Olympic debut, she found herself embroiled in a series of controversies that weighed heavily on her spirit. The catalyst for her turmoil was her outspoken stance against Brij Bhushan Singh, the former President of the Indian Wrestling Association, whom she accused of sexual misconduct towards several female wrestlers. Despite the support from fellow wrestlers such as Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, Vinesh’s protests at Jantar Mantar went largely unrecognized for an extended period, leading to a sense of hopelessness and frustration.
During the interview with The Lallantop, Vinesh recounted a poignant moment when she held the Tricolor flag high following a significant victory. Instead of celebration, she felt a deep sense of hurt, prompting thoughts of abandoning her country. It was during this challenging time that she had a conversation with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. Vinesh described how Priyanka’s words resonated with her, offering encouragement and reigniting her determination to fight for women wrestlers’ rights, rather than retreating from the struggle.
The Struggles and Allegations
Approximately two years ago, a wave of serious allegations emerged against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, leading numerous female wrestlers, including Vinesh, to protest at Jantar Mantar. Their stand attracted national attention, but the path was fraught with difficulties as they faced clashes with law enforcement, leading to a heightened sense of urgency and frustration among the athletes. The incident involving the Tricolor became a significant emblem of their struggle and commitment to justice for female athletes.
However, Vinesh herself faced accusations that questioned her motives, suggesting that she was not allowing fair trials for fellow wrestlers. In response to these allegations, she participated in national competitions leading up to the Paris Olympics, where after facing difficulties in her primary category of 53 kg, she switched to the 50 kg category to qualify. Unfortunately, her journey ended in disappointment as she was disqualified due to being overweight in the finals. Following this setback, Vinesh decided to retire from competitive wrestling and redirect her focus towards public service.
Now, as she embarks on her political journey, Vinesh Phogat not only aims to represent her constituency but also hopes to advocate for the rights of women and young athletes in India. Her journey reflects her resilience and commitment to fighting for justice, not just for herself, but for all those who have faced adversity in the realm of sports.
