Picture Credit: X
On Friday, August 16, Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat opened up after her recent struggles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old wrestler, who was disqualified ahead of her gold medal match in the women’s 50kg category at Paris 2024, finally opened up on how the past 10 days have been like for her. The Indian wrestler however appealed to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but her plea was rejected for a joint silver medal after several postponement of the governing body.
However, the series of events forced her to call curtains to her career in wrestling, she finally opened up on her experience in a three-page letter. Taking to social media, Vinesh Phogat made a long comment in a post, adding that she “can’t predict what the future holds.” While on the first page, she tried to put her entire journey to the mat, she also extended support to the staff and her coaches. Meanwhile, what caught the attention was that Phogat went onto hint her possible return to the game.
"Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can't predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing," Phogat said in a post on X.
Vinesh Phogat stands with her support staff amid criticism
The 29-year-old also stood by the people who have supported her in her journey. While Phogat’s coaching staff has been amid a lot of criticism for not being able to cut down her weight ahead of her gold medal match, Phogat went to stand by them as she spoke of every individual.
While speaking about her coach, Woller Akos, Vinesh said, “Anything I write about him will always be less. In the world of Women's Wrestling, I have found him to be the best coach, best guide and best human being, able to handle any situation with his calmness, patience and confidence. He does not have the word impossible in his dictionary and he is always ready with a plan whenever we face a tough situation on or off the mat.”
The Haryana born wrestler also spoke of Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chef Medical Officer, hailing him as “he is not just a doctor but an angel in disguise sent by god.”
