Months before her long-cherished dream of winning an Olympic medal became reality, Vinesh Phogat faced a whirlwind of challenges: police detention, backlash from protests, and a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation. Yet, she stood firm, unwavering in her belief that her fight was just.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Vinesh responded to her detractors with determination. This resilience transformed her into India's first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics finals after two failed attempts over 12 years. Throughout this tumultuous period, she was convinced of the righteousness of her cause and ultimately prevailed.

As Vinesh set her sights on the Paris Olympics, new obstacles emerged. She had to drop to the 50kg weight class after competing in 53kg for over five years. She faced issues with her trial bouts ahead of the Olympic qualifiers and had to undergo knee surgery, years after an ACL tear at the 2016 Rio Olympics nearly ended her career.

For Vinesh, the stakes were high. While others might have faltered, she accelerated, reflecting the qualities that define her journey. From street protests in Delhi to the podium in Paris, Vinesh's journey culminated in a historic medal, the colour of which will be determined soon. For now, she has secured a silver.

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This achievement is a powerful rebuttal to her critics within the national federation who opposed her role in the prolonged protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of intimidation and sexual harassment.

Despite police and court involvement, and public impatience with the protests in Delhi, Vinesh remained steadfast. Her unwavering resolve and confidence enabled her to win a medal at the world's biggest sporting event, completing her decorated career.

Her journey began with trials where she forced officials to allow her to compete in two weight categories, ultimately securing her spot in the 50kg division. She qualified for the Olympics and battled misinformation that she had evaded a dope test amid the drama.

Vinesh's recent journey highlights her courage and determination, surpassing mere superlatives. She fought on two fronts: on the mat and off it. The off-mat battles prepared her to face her rivals in competition.

In Paris, Vinesh faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion who had never lost an international bout. Drawing from her struggles and using a perfect game plan, Vinesh stunned Susaki in one of wrestling's biggest upsets.

She then defeated Ukraine's Oksana Livach to reach the semi-finals of the women's 50kg freestyle event. Overwhelmed with joy, Vinesh lay on the mat, tears streaming down her face. Her journey was not over. In the semifinals, she triumphed over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, securing a medal and becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic finals.

From battling opposition in her village, losing her father at nine, to challenging powerful federation officials, Vinesh has faced innumerable hardships on her path to realizing her dreams.

"Believe and you can fly," said wrestling's world body in congratulating her on social media. And she certainly is.

Source / Image Credit : The Better India, CNBC Tv