Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports :: Beyond Barriers : Vinesh Phogat’s Historic Journey
Posted On: 07 AUG 2024 5:25PM
In Indian sports, Vinesh Phogat is a beacon of dedication, talent, and resilience. Born on August 28, 1994, in Kharkhoda, Haryana, Vinesh has carved a niche for herself in the wrestling world, emerging as a formidable force on the international stage. Her journey, marked by groundbreaking achievements and unwavering determination, inspires aspiring athletes nationwide.
Achievements
In the Paris Olympics 2024 quarterfinal, Vinesh fought and defeated World No. 1, Japan’s four-time World Champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Yui Susaki, in a statement victory. This is the first time Yui has been defeated in an international match. The victory made her the first female Indian wrestler to reach the Olympic final.
Although Vinesh was disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to technical issues, she is undoubtedly an outstanding athlete. She has already made an indelible mark in wrestling, with multiple records to her name.
Notably, Vinesh made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to secure gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Her victory at the 2018 Asian Games was particularly momentous, as she defeated Japan’s Yuki Irie to clinch the gold, a feat that set her apart in Indian wrestling history.
Vinesh Phogat’s wrestling career is studded with remarkable accomplishments. She has represented India at the Olympic Games in 2016, 2020, and at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her illustrious career includes a plethora of accolades:
- 2018 Asian Games: Gold Medallist
- 2022, 2019 Senior World Championships: Bronze Medals
- 2020, 2016 Senior Asian Championships: Bronze Medals
- 2018, 2017, 2015 Senior Asian Championships: Silver Medals
- 2022, 2018, 2014 Commonwealth Games: Gold Medals
In 2019, Vinesh also became the first Indian athlete to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards, a testament to her impact on the global sports arena. Her bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships was her maiden world championship medal, further cementing her status as a world-class wrestler.
Support and Training
Vinesh’s achievements were coupled with substantial support from the Indian government to enhance her training and competitive edge. Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Vinesh received financial assistance of Rs. 53,35,746. Additionally, under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), she was granted Rs. 17,10,029.
Further financial assistance was allocated for her participation in the 4th Ranking Series in Budapest, Hungary, in July 2023 and for a subsequent training camp in the same city. For the 2024 Paris Olympics, Vinesh is slated for additional support. This included funding for her participation in the UWW 2nd Ranking Series in Budapest from June 6 to June 9, 2024, and a training camp at the Tata Olympic Centre in Hungary from June 10 to June 21, 2024.
Vinesh had also requested financial assistance for participation in the Grand Prix of Spain and an international training camp in Spain from July 3 to July 13, 2024, as well as a pre-Olympic training camp in France from July 13 to August 3, 2024. The estimated cost for these engagements, including foreign sparring partners from Ukraine and Japan, is Rs. 14,20,965.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey reflects not only personal achievement but also national pride. The world eagerly awaits to see how this remarkable wrestler will continue to shine and inspire in the future. Vinesh was a champion and will remain so!
References
Pathway to Paris pdf
Indian Athletes: Paris Olympics 2024 pdf
https://twitter.com/OlympicKhel/status/1820875225330024918/photo/1
https://twitter.com/OlympicKhel/status/1820780824976879985/photo/1
https://twitter.com/OlympicKhel/status/1820756921135124806/photo/1
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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal
