Vinesh Phogat's Heartfelt Letter of Gratitude—Concluding with a Cryptic Message

The message is unique not just for the heartfelt gratitude she expresses to certain individuals, but for the deafening silence towards others whose responsibility it is to encourage Indian athletes.

Heartbreaking Missive

Days after being disqualified from competing in the Olympic final for the Gold Medal in Women's Wrestling in the under 50 kg category—and subsequently losing her appeal for the Silver Medal—Vinesh Phogat, the "platinum girl” for us, took to Twitter to share her life’s story and express her heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her along the way. This came after her previous and heartbreaking tweet on 7th August, where she hinted at the end of her wrestling journey.

From Village Girl to Olympic Aspirant

Vinesh Phogat begins her letter with a poignant reflection on her humble beginnings and the pivotal role her father played in shaping her dreams. As a young girl from a small village in Haryana, Vinesh had simple aspirations like many of her peers—long hair, owning a mobile phone, and other modest dreams. But it was her father, an ordinary bus driver, who planted the seed of a grander vision. He often told her that one day, he would see his daughter "fly high in a plane" while he drove on the roads below, metaphorically speaking of her future success.

Father's Legacy and Family Challenges

Tragically, Vinesh's father passed away, leaving her with the memory of his dream about her "flying in that plane." This vision became a driving force in her life, especially when her mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer shortly after her father's death. These circumstances forced Vinesh to set aside her childhood dreams and confront the harsh realities of life, using her father's words as motivation.

Haryana Roots and Mother's Influence

Growing up in Haryana, a state known for its conservative attitudes, Vinesh's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her mother's resilience in the face of hardship became a cornerstone of her own strength. Vinesh writes, "Seeing my mother's hardships, never-give-up attitude, and fighting spirit is what makes me who I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine."

Support Team and Transformation

Throughout her wrestling journey, particularly in the past two years, Vinesh's support team played an indispensable role. She expresses deep gratitude to several key individuals:

Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, described as an "angel in disguise," helped her recover from injuries and regain self-belief. Dr. Wayne Patrick Lombard provided scientific expertise and patient guidance through difficult injuries. Woller Akos, praised as the best coach in Women's Wrestling, offered unwavering support and guidance. Ashwini Jeevan Patil, her physiotherapist since 2022, accompanied her through every competition and rehabilitation. Tajinder Kaur assisted with her challenging weight loss journey post-surgery. The OGQ team, including Viren Rasquinha, Yatin Bhatkar, Mugdha Barve, Mayank Singh Guria, and others, provided crucial support. CDM Gagan Narang and the Olympic team support staff offered kindness and empathy. Lastly, she acknowledges her husband Somvir for his companionship and support throughout her journey

• Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala: Described as an "angel in disguise," he helped her recover from injuries and regain faith in herself.

• Dr. Wayne Patrick Lombard: Praised for his scientific expertise and patient approach in handling complicated injuries.

• Woller Akos: Recognized as the best coach in Women's Wrestling, he provided unwavering support and guidance.

• Ashwini Jeevan Patil: A physiotherapist who has been with her through every competition and rehabilitation journey since 2022.

Challenges Overcome

Vinesh recounts the significant challenges she faced:

• Recovering from injuries that nearly caused her to lose faith in herself

• Undergoing difficult surgeries and rehabilitation

• Cutting over 10kg while preparing for the Olympics

• Participating in the wrestlers' protest to protect women's rights in India

Olympic Journey and Future Aspirations

Vinesh's future Olympic aspirations are evident throughout her letter:

• She speaks of being part of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics.

• She references her experiences post-Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the preparations for future competitions.

• Her desire to see the Indian flag fly high at the Olympics is palpable.

Though she acknowledges the unpredictability of the future, Vinesh expresses her determination to continue fighting for what she believes in, hinting at the possibility of competing until the 2032 Olympics, showcasing her long-term commitment to the sport.

Silence Speaks Volumes: A Telling Omission

In her heartfelt message, Vinesh Phogat notably refrains from expressing any gratitude toward the Indian Olympic Association, the Indian Wrestling Federation, the Ministry of Sports of the Government of India, or even the Prime Minister, not even perfunctorily. This omission speaks volumes about her sentiments and is both emblematic and symptomatic of the less-than-conducive atmosphere of organisational support she experienced. Her silence in this regard stands as unimpeachable testimony to her resilience and determination, highlighting that her journey to the international wrestling stage was driven more by personal resolve than by institutional encouragement.

A Resilient Future: More Battles Ahead

Vinesh Phogat's journey from a small village in Haryana to representing India on the global stage is a powerful testament to her resilience, the unwavering support of her family and team, and her deep dedication to her sport and country. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of sports in India, inspiring others to chase their dreams despite the obstacles they may encounter. While it remains uncertain whether she will return to competitive international wrestling, her parting words—"I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing"—leave little doubt about her future resolve. This is far from a swan song; we can expect to witness Vinesh's tenacious spirit, whether in the wrestling ring or perhaps even on a different stage, such as the electoral arena.