Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resumed training for the first time since her disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Following her retirement, she transitioned into politics and became an MLA, advocating for better representation and support for athletes. Vinesh’s journey underscores the challenges faced by female wrestlers regarding weight management and highlights her resilience in overcoming adversity.

Vinesh Phogat has returned to training for the first time since the emotional aftermath of the Paris Olympics. The wrestler, who transitioned into politics and announced her retirement post-Olympics, shared a video of her training on social media. This moment marks a significant step for the 30-year-old athlete, who has faced immense challenges since her last Olympic bout.

In her Olympic journey, Vinesh made history by defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki in her opening match, an unexpected victory against an undefeated champion. She advanced to the semi-finals, emerging victorious against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, thus becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, her hopes were dashed when she was disqualified just before the finals for being overweight by a mere 100 grams.

The disqualification led to a chain of events that saw Lopez take her place in the final match against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt ultimately won the gold medal, and due to United World Wrestling regulations, Vinesh was left in a disappointing last position. Although she appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal, her request was denied.

Vinesh expressed her concerns regarding the regulations governing weight management for female wrestlers, stating, “Women can’t lose more than 3 kg in a day when you are at peak fitness because your fat percent is already very low.” This statement highlights the struggles female athletes face in maintaining their weight within competitive limits. Following the Olympics, Vinesh chose to retire from wrestling and pursue a political career.

Phogat became a member of the Congress party and won the Julana constituency as an MLA in the Haryana Assembly elections. She remarked, “You have to enter the system. Brij Bhushan is surviving because he is powerful politically. So we have to be powerful also.” Her political engagement stems from a desire to support the wrestling community and ensure athletes have representation.

In her transition to politics, Vinesh emphasized the importance of aligning with supportive entities, noting the respect she received from the Congress party during previous protests. Her journey reflects not only her personal resilience but also a broader commitment to improving the conditions for athletes in India.

Vinesh Phogat is a prominent Indian wrestler who made headlines during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite her remarkable achievements, including becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, her journey took a tragic turn due to unexpected disqualification. Following this event, she shifted her focus from athletics to politics, seeking to promote better representation and support for athletes. Her experiences highlight the unique challenges faced by female athletes, particularly concerning weight management practices in competitive sports.

Vinesh Phogat’s journey after the Paris Olympics showcases her resilience and determination to overcome adversity. After an unparalleled career in wrestling, her disqualification at the Olympics was a pivotal moment that propelled her into politics. Vinesh’s advocacy for female athletes and her desire to create systemic change is both admirable and essential for the future of sports in India.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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