Vinesh Phogat: The Wrestling Sensation from Haryana
Vinesh Phogat is a name that resonates with greatness in the world of Indian wrestling. Born on August 25, 1994, in Balali, Haryana, Vinesh hails from a family of wrestlers, including her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, who have made significant contributions to the sport in India.
Birth and Childhood
Vinesh Phogat was born on August 25, 1994, in Balali, a small village in Haryana, India. She was born into a family of wrestlers, with her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari being well-known wrestlers in their own right. Vinesh’s early life was marked by a strong emphasis on sports, particularly wrestling, which was encouraged by her family.
Growing up in a rural village in Haryana, Vinesh faced numerous challenges as a young girl. In a society where girls were often discouraged from participating in sports, Vinesh’s family stood out for their progressive views. Her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler himself, played a significant role in introducing Vinesh to the sport of wrestling.
Vinesh’s childhood was marked by a rigorous training regimen, with her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat serving as her coach and mentor. She would often train alongside her cousins Geeta and Babita, who were already established wrestlers in their own right. The Phogat family’s dedication to wrestling was unwavering, and Vinesh’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Despite the challenges she faced as a young girl in a male-dominated sport, Vinesh’s family instilled in her a strong sense of confidence and determination. Her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat’s guidance and support played a crucial role in shaping her early years, and Vinesh’s natural talent and dedication to the sport soon began to pay off.
Early Years of Wrestling
Vinesh began wrestling at the tender age of 9, under the watchful eye of her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat. She would often train for hours on end, honing her skills and building her strength and endurance. Her early years of wrestling were marked by a series of local and national-level competitions, where she would often compete against boys and men.
Vinesh’s natural talent and dedication to the sport soon began to pay off, and she started to make a name for herself in the wrestling circuit. Her early successes were a testament to her hard work and perseverance, and she soon became a role model for young girls in her village and beyond.
As Vinesh grew older, her passion for wrestling only intensified, and she began to set her sights on bigger goals. With the support of her family and her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat, Vinesh was determined to make a mark on the international wrestling stage. Little did she know that her journey was only just beginning, and that she would go on to become one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers.
Education
Vinesh Phogat’s educational background is a testament to her family’s emphasis on the importance of education, alongside her passion for wrestling. Despite the demands of her wrestling career, Vinesh has always prioritized her education, recognizing the value of a strong educational foundation.
Early Education
Vinesh received her early education at Rani Laxmi Bai School in Rohtak, Haryana. Her school years were marked by a strong focus on academics, alongside her burgeoning wrestling career. Her parents and uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat encouraged her to excel in both areas, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education.
Higher Education
After completing her schooling, Vinesh pursued higher education at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana. She enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program, which she completed alongside her wrestling training and competitions.
Balancing Education and Wrestling
Vinesh’s educational journey was not without its challenges. As a wrestler, she had to balance her academic responsibilities with the demands of her training and competition schedule. However, her family’s support and her own dedication to her education enabled her to navigate these challenges successfully.
Importance of Education
Vinesh’s educational background has played a significant role in shaping her personality and approach to wrestling. She believes that education is essential for personal growth and development, and has often spoken about the importance of education in empowering women and girls.
In an interview, Vinesh once said, “Education is very important for every individual, especially for girls. It helps us to become independent and confident. My education has helped me to become a better wrestler and a better person.”
Academic Achievements
Vinesh’s academic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has consistently performed well in her studies, despite the demands of her wrestling career. Her academic success has earned her recognition and accolades, and she continues to be a role model for young girls and women in India.
Overall, Vinesh Phogat’s educational background has played a significant role in shaping her personality, approach to wrestling, and overall worldview. Her commitment to education has enabled her to become a well-rounded individual, and her academic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Relationships
Vinesh Phogat is married to Somvir Rathee, a national gold medalist and railway employee. The couple met while working at the Indian Railways and got married on December 13, 2018. Their love story is often referred to as a Bollywood movie, with instances of complete devotion towards each other. They have been together for more than five years and have no children yet.
Career Highlights
Vinesh’s wrestling career is marked by numerous achievements, including:
- Gold Medalist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
- Gold Medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Gold Medalist at the 2018 Asian Games
- Asian Champion in 2024
- Two-time World Championships bronze medalist
Vinesh has also competed in three Olympic Games, having participated in the 48 kg category in 2016, the 53 kg category in 2020, and the 50 kg category in 2024. In the 2024 Olympic Games, she became the first international wrestler to defeat the then reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki on the way to becoming the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
Challenges and Controversies in Vinesh Phogat’s Life
Vinesh Phogat, the Indian wrestler, has faced several challenges and controversies throughout her career. Here are some of them:
Weight Category Change
In 2019, Vinesh Phogat had to change her weight category from 48 kg to 53 kg due to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to remove the 48 kg category from the Olympic program. This change was a significant challenge for her, as she had to adapt to a new weight category and compete against stronger opponents.
Injury and Surgery
In 2019, Vinesh Phogat suffered a serious elbow injury during the World Championships, which required surgery. The injury kept her out of action for several months, and she had to undergo a long and arduous rehabilitation process to get back to her best.
Controversy with WFI
In 2020, Vinesh Phogat was involved in a controversy with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over her decision to train in Hungary instead of attending the national camp in India. The WFI had threatened to take action against her, but the matter was eventually resolved after her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, intervened.
In 2024, Vinesh was part of the Indian wrestlers’ protest against then president of Indian Wrestling Federation and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers.
Olympic Disappointment
Vinesh Phogat’s biggest disappointment came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she lost in the quarterfinals to Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus. This was a major setback for her, as she was one of India’s top medal hopes at the Olympics.
Family Tragedy
In 2016, Vinesh Phogat’s cousin, Ritika Phogat, a young wrestler, died by suicide due to depression and pressure to perform. This tragedy was a huge blow to Vinesh and her family, and it took her a long time to come to terms with the loss. Despite these challenges and controversies, Vinesh Phogat has continued to inspire millions of Indians with her courage, determination, and resilience.
Vinesh Phogat’s Achievements and Honors
Vinesh Phogat is a highly decorated Indian wrestler, with numerous achievements and honors to her name. Here are some of her notable achievements:
Current Ranking
Vinesh is currently ranked as the World No. 1 in the 53 kg category.
Commonwealth Games
- Gold medalist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland (48 kg category)
- Gold medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia (50 kg category)
- Gold medalist at the 2024 Commonwealth Games (50 kg category)
Asian Games
- Gold medalist at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia (50 kg category)
World Championships
- Bronze medalist at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (53 kg category)
- Bronze medalist at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia (53 kg category)
Asian Championships
- Gold medalist at the 2024 Asian Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan (53 kg category)
- Silver medalist at the Asian Championships (3 times)
- Bronze medalist at the Asian Championships (4 times)
National Awards
- Arjuna Award in 2016 for exemplary performance in the field of sports
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020, the highest sporting honor in India
Other Honors
- Nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2019
- First Indian woman wrestler to win gold medals at both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games
- First Indian woman wrestler to qualify for three consecutive Olympic Games (2016, 2020, 2024
