Vinesh Phogat - Career, achievements and more as Indian wrestler makes dramatic comeback to enter 2024 Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics are set to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Among the athletes representing India is Vinesh Phogat, a leading figure in Indian wrestling.

In this article, The Sporting News looks at the Indian wrestler's career, her achievements and more importantly, her form ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024.

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Who is Vinesh Phogat?

Vinesh Phogat, born on August 25, 1994, is a prominent Indian wrestler. She has made history as the first Indian woman to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Vinesh has also secured multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships. She comes from a well-known wrestling family and has been supported by OGQ.

Vinesh Phogat - Early career

Vinesh Phogat comes from India's first family of wrestling. Her cousins, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, are also renowned wrestlers.

Vinesh was introduced to the sport by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, who played an important role in her training and development.

Despite facing social barriers and personal hardships, including the early loss of her father, Vinesh showed determination. Her early career saw her winning a bronze medal at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships and a silver medal at the 2013 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships.

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How has Vinesh Phogat performed in tour events?

Vinesh's career is filled with notable performances in various tournaments. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she won gold in the women's freestyle 48 kg category. She followed this success with a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games.

In the 2015 Asian Championships, Vinesh won a silver medal. She qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning her qualifying event in Istanbul. However, her Olympic journey was cut short due to a knee injury in the quarterfinals.

Vinesh's determination saw her return stronger after her injury. She won gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Asian Games.

In 2019, she moved up to the 53 kg category and won a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships, securing her place for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat - Form ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

Despite a challenging run at the Tokyo Olympics, Vinesh bounced back in 2022 with a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Her recent performances have set the stage for her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The two-time Olympian became the first ever Indian wrestler to qualify for three Olympic Games after she secured the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifcation by defeating Kazaksthan's Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 in the 50-kg weight category. 

However her historic achievement has been surrounded by controversies as Phogat along with other top wrestlers in Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punya had proteseted against former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh. 

Phogat accused the chief of WFI of alleged sexual abuse. She even said that the police had assaulted them during the protests. 

The area is filled with water and there was no place to sleep, so we thought of bringing the cots. The way they have made us suffer, I would not want any athlete to win a medal for the country

The whole fiasco had made the headlines across the nation with the wrestlers demaning a hefty compenstion in return. However, things seemed to have been settled as the Phogat will be competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

List of major achievements of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat

Here is a list of medals won by the Indian wrestling star in major competitions, Vinesh Phogat in her career so far: