Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has captured the world's attention with her incredible journey from sleeping on the streets of New Delhi during a protest against sexual harassment allegations to now securing a shot at Olympic gold or silver in the women's 50kg category in Paris.
Phogat, a three-time Olympian from a renowned Indian wrestling family, stunned the wrestling world with a remarkable upset over reigning Olympic gold medalist Yui Susaki in the first round. Susaki, considered one of the best freestyle wrestlers globally, had never been defeated at the senior level until Phogat's late takedown secured a 3-2 victory.
Phogat's path to the final included victories over Ukraine's Oksana Livach and Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, showcasing her resilience and determination on the wrestling mat.
Off the mat, Phogat has been a vocal advocate for addressing sexual harassment claims within the sport. Alongside fellow wrestlers, she led a protest demanding action against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, sparking a national debate and drawing attention to the #MeToo movement in India.
Despite facing challenges and backlash for her activism, Phogat remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice, even camping out in protests and enduring clashes with authorities. Her journey to the Olympics final is not only a personal triumph but also a collective victory for India's wrestling community.
Phogat's fellow wrestlers have praised her resilience and determination, hailing her as a symbol of strength and perseverance. Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist in Tokyo and a key figure in the protests, commended Phogat's achievements as a testament to her unwavering spirit.
As Phogat prepares to compete for Olympic gold, her journey serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, showcasing the power of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.
