The daughter of India who took the “eighth round” in marriage to promote the government’s Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, took this campaign forward very well and also became an inspiration for the daughters of the country. That daughter lost to her own game “wrestling” today. It is unfortunate for the country that a player retires from the world of sports with such a bitter experience. Vinesh Phogat being disqualified even before playing the final of the 50 kg category raises questions on the supporting staff accompanying the Indian players, because no player can consume even a single extra food item without the permission of his coach, dietician, physician and physiotherapist. In such a situation, Vinesh’s weight gain of one kg 700 grams in a single day after three winning bouts is surprising not only sports lovers but the entire world.
As is known, Vinesh’s weight in the 50 kg category was 49.90 kg on Tuesday. On the same day, Vinesh played three matches and won all three. After winning the semi-final at 10.50 am Indian time, Vinesh ate only light food and drank water, because she knew that she was standing on the boundary line of weight. No person with even a little understanding would be able to digest the fact that her weight increased by 1 kg 700 grams overnight. Vinesh made all the efforts that could be made to reduce the increased weight. Despite all this, the weight remained 100 grams more. On this, her doctor said that there is a risk of deteriorating health if too much effort is made. Vinesh had reached a stage where she could take the risk of deteriorating health.
When any player has reached the stage of winning gold, he does not think about his health but about his victory and making the country proud. If Vinesh’s health deteriorated or there was any injury, then the wrestler fighting against her in the final could have got a walk-over, which would have ensured Vinesh’s silver medal. There is a provision for walk-over in sports. According to the rule, if a wrestler gets injured during the competition on the first day, he is not required to appear for weigh-in on the second day. However, if a wrestler gets injured after the competition on the first day or gets any disease or fever, he has to appear for weigh-in before giving a walkover. If Vinesh Phogat had appeared for weigh-in in an injured and sick condition, there is no doubt that her weight would have been less than 50 kg.
This case has been heard in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). India’s senior lawyer Harish Salve has represented Vinesh Phogat in the court. India may get good news from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) today in this case.
There is a smell of conspiracy in the incident of Vinesh Phogat being disqualified in Olympic wrestling. Now it has become a political issue in India. This is perhaps the first incident in the country where the opposition is accusing the officials of the ruling party regarding the eligibility of an Olympic player. These allegations of the opposition also seem to be strong because the news running on social media tells that the script of Vinesh Phogat’s defeat was already written when Vinesh Phogat and her fellow wrestlers sat on a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the president of their own association. The country has also seen how ruthlessly, heartlessly and shamelessly these players sitting on the dharna were chased away. Another incident strengthens this script. When Vinesh Phogat used to wrestle in the 53 kg weight category in the first Olympics, but this time she did not get an entry in the 53 kg category. So she had to decide to wrestle in the 50 kg weight category and the passion, hard work and determination with which she worked for this took her to the finals of the Olympics. It is worth understanding how the Government of India and the officials of the Indian Wrestling Association are doing PR exercises in this matter. The detailed account of the amount spent on Vinesh Phogat by the Union Sports Minister in Parliament seems to be an explanation of the actions of the Indian Wrestling Association.
Vinesh Phogat, a shining star of Indian wrestling, whose struggle, dedication, and determination made her mark on the world stage, recently announced her retirement from wrestling. This news is a big shock not only for her fans but for the entire sports world. Paris Olympics 2024 will be written in black letters in the history of India’s sports world.
Vinesh Phogat’s wrestling career has been inspirational. She demonstrated unique talent from the beginning of her career. Vinesh’s retirement is a big setback for the increasing participation of women in sports and their upliftment. Whatever the reasons behind her retirement, they are a matter of contemplation for us. Are we able to give our players the respect and support they deserve? In this case, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has worked to heal the feelings of sports lovers. He has announced that Vinesh Phogat will be honored by the state government like an Olympic silver medalist player.
It is hoped that Vinesh Phogat will remain associated with the sports world even after her retirement and will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
