Vinesh Phogat is a symbol of resilience and determination for every Indian woman, proving that bold goals and strong inspiration can overcome any barrier.
Resilience isn’t something one is born with—it’s forged through the struggles and tough situations one endures. It’s these challenges that push us to think differently and grow stronger. Facing life’s hurdles head-on is what makes Indian women truly resilient.
In the rural villages of Haryana, where traditional expectations confine women to modest roles and having a girl child is often considered a burden, the Phogat family of wrestlers defies these constraints. Excelling in a male-dominated sport, the Phogat sisters achieved remarkable success through immense determination, strength, and unwavering family support.
Every drop of sweat on the mat was often a gamble between glory and ridicule, as they toiled in silence, knowing their dedication could either carve a path to success or become a spectacle of scorn.
No fewer were the hurdles in Vinesh Phogat’s life. Her journey was shaped by the trials and tribulations she faced, from the early loss of her father to the deprivations that followed. Yet, it was her mother’s unwavering strength—overcoming her own battles with widowhood and cancer—that fueled Vinesh’s relentless drive. With a heart forged in adversity, Vinesh defied the odds, transforming her struggles into steppingstones and rising to become a formidable force in the world of wrestling.
Enduring derogatory abuse, including being called “Khotta sika” (worthless penny), Vinesh stood firm in her advocacy for wrestlers’ rights, protesting fearlessly and remaining resolute in her mission. Her sheer dedication and resilience propelled her from village akhaadas to the international wrestling stage with remarkable flair and steadfast determination.
Vinesh Phogat has made her mark in every Asian Championship she’s entered, earning four bronze medals (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020), three silvers (2015, 2017, 2018), and a gold in 2021. She’s also the first Indian woman wrestler to compete in three Olympics, the first to reach an Olympic final, the first to win gold at the Asian Games, and the only Indian woman with multiple World Championship medals in wrestling.
In just 11 years and at only 21 years of age, she has achieved massive success. Any sport isn’t just physical; it’s about mindset and determination. The inspiration from her mother, who dreamed of seeing her succeed, made her unstoppable. Seeing a smile of satisfaction on her mother’s face became her ultimate motivation.