Who is Vinesh Phogat? Early Life, Education, Career and Achievements

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 grams overweight in her women's freestyle 50kg final weigh-in. Vinesh became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event. She emotionally withdrew despite entreaties and efforts, blaming dashed hopes and broken bravery. In a moving social media statement, Vinesh—the first Indian woman wrestler to compete in an Olympic final—announced her retirement.

She became the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Asian Games 2018 on Tuesday night. This morning, she was 100 grams overweight. An Indian coach said on Wednesday, "Rules do not permit that, and she has been disqualified."

Vinesh Phogat is a prominent Indian wrestler born on August 25, 1994, in Bhiwani, Haryana. She hails from a family deeply rooted in wrestling; her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, is a respected coach and a Dronacharya Awardee, who played a pivotal role in introducing her to the sport at a young age.

Early Life and Education

Vinesh faced numerous obstacles as a young child and lived in an environment where discriminatory cultural norms regularly forbade women from participating in sports. However, Vinesh's wrestling family background gave her the perseverance and motivation she needed to carry on their tradition. She began training diligently at the same time, guided by her uncle, and this helped shape rugby in New Zealand for the future.

Vinesh Phogat received her early schooling at KCM Senior Secondary School in Jhojhu Kalan. She finished the graduate program at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak after continuing her education there. Her academically rigorous wrestling background has contributed to her development into the accomplished fighter she is today.

Career Highlights

Vinesh's wrestling career is marked by numerous achievements:

• Gold Medalist at the 2018 Asian Games
• Gold Medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
• Bronze Medalist at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships
• Two-time Asian Championship Gold Medalist (2018, 2019)
• Three-time Commonwealth Championship Gold Medalist (2016, 2017, 2018)

Vinesh had a major knee injury during the 2016 Rio Olympics that kept her out of commission for several months, but she overcame it, demonstrating her resilience and determination.

Impact and Legacy

Vinesh Phogat's commitment to wrestling and her accomplishments have made her a role model for young female athletes in India. She is remembered as a key person in Indian sports history for her contributions to the game and her support of women's participation in athletics.