NEW DELHI: Despite a valiant defeat in the Asian Games selection trials, Vinesh Phogat walked away with her head held high and resolve unshaken, declaring that her journey in wrestling is far from over. She made it clear that neither setbacks nor obstacles placed in her path by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) would force her away from the mat, as she reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing a comeback after motherhood and keeping alive her dream of representing India at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“The system is against me today, it will be against me tomorrow, but if I continue to believe in myself, I can overcome the system. The LA Olympics remains my target from now onwards,” Vinesh said after her spirited campaign ended with a narrow 4-6 semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat in the women’s 53kg category.
For Vinesh, the result was about much more than a scoreline. It was another chapter in a battle she believes extends beyond the wrestling mat. “The entire system was on one side and my team and I were on the other side. It’s a one-sided fight. This isn’t the first time I’m losing, and we learn only by losing, but when the entire system stands against you, and yet you have the courage to fight, then I see myself as a winner. I have not failed,” she said.
At the heart of her comeback is her 10-month-old son, who has become her greatest source of motivation. “This loss does not hurt as much as the Paris Olympics. I am proud of being able to take care of my 10-month-old son, keep him healthy and return to the mat to fight. I want to make him happy and see happiness on his face. I want to be an inspiration for my son.” Vinesh also alleged that the trials process was never a level playing field. “Before the Paris Olympics, I was fighting the system, but then there was an ad-hoc committee overseeing things. Now the WFI has a free hand and they are being openly biased against me.” She claimed that the delay during weigh-in and a lack of competitive opportunities hampered her preparations, adding that “one loss doesn’t define anyone’s future.” “I had to wait for more than an hour for weigh-in and was allowed only after our lawyers spoke of going to court again. They put all the strong competitors in my half of the draw,” she added.
Yet, far from being discouraged, the trials have strengthened her belief in what lies ahead. “In India, any athlete wins medals not with the system but despite the system. My first fight was against sexual harassment; this was about overcoming mental harassment.”
Most importantly, Vinesh insists she is only getting started. “I can see my body is moving well. I have the confidence that I can beat these young girls and do much better in the upcoming events.”
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