No Indian female athlete has won an Olympic gold, I want to change that: Vinesh Phogat

Boys never got special treatment in my house: Vinesh

- Renuka Vyavahare

One of the prominent names in Indian wrestling, Vinesh Phogat, in September, became the first Indian female wrestler to win two medals at the World Wrestling Championships so far. She is also the winner of three consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG). Her comeback at the World Wrestling Championships was remarkable. She not only overcame physical injury but also mental fatigue with a string of hard-earned victories.

However, success at the Olympics has eluded the Indian wrestler. A knee surgery cut off all prospects of a medal at Rio 2016. She was stretchered off the arena in tears. She returned to India in a wheelchair. Post rehabilitation and return to form, she entered Tokyo 2020 top-seeded and a medal favourite but crashed out in the quarterfinal. This loss was most devastating for Phogat, who told a newspaper, “I don’t know when I will return. Maybe I won’t. I feel I was better off with that broken leg (at Rio 2016). I had something to correct. Now my body is not broken, but I truly am.” But come back, she did! We spoke to the wrestler on her challenging journey and more. Excerpts…

You are now the first Indian woman wrestler to win two medals at the World Wrestling Championships. After a shocking opening-round defeat, you made a roaring comeback in the tournament. You are also the proud winner of three consecutive golds at the CWG.