Olympics 2024: 'This is The Identity of Champions' - Rahul Gandhi Wishes Vinesh Phogat Luck Ahead of Gold Medal Match in Paris

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished wrestler Vinesh Phogat luck ahead of her gold medal match in women's 50kg freestyle event at Paris Olympics 2024, saying "this is the identity of champions, they give their answer from the field".

Vinesh created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the Olympic final in women's wrestling after beating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semi-final match on Tuesday (August 6).

The wrestler will face USA's Sarah Ann Hilderbrant in the gold medal match on Wednesday (August 7). Ahead of her bout, the

Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said that it was an emotional moment for India and took a swipe at the ruling BJP government, saying the echo of Vinesh's success in Paris can be heard in Delhi.

"Today, along with Vinesh, the entire country is emotional after defeating three top wrestlers of the world in a single day. All those who denied the struggle of Vinesh and her teammates, and even questioned their intentions and abilities, have got their answer," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

"Today, the entire power system that had made India shed tears of blood collapsed in front of her brave daughter. This is the identity of champions, they give their answer from the field. Best wishes Vinesh. The echo of your success in Paris can be heard clearly till Delhi."

Vinesh along with Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik had spearheaded the protest against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the Wrestlers' Federation of India (WFI) former President and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year.

In May, several wrestlers were detained when they marching towards the Parliament. And the Prime Minister, who is yet to congratulate Phogat on her success, stayed away from commenting on the issue.

Bajrang also posted a strong comment on X after Vinesh's latest heroics, reminding people of what the history-making women's wrestler had to endure during the protests.

"Vinesh Phogat is the lioness of India who won back to back matches today. Defeated 4-time World Champion and defending Olympic champion. After that she defeated the former World Champion in the quarterfinals," Bajrang Punia wrote in a post on X.

"But let me tell you one thing, This girl was kicked and crushed in her own country. This girl was dragged on the streets in her country This girl is going to conquer the world but she lost to the system in this country."

"Vinesh has created history. Vinesh has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic final in women's wrestling. Today there are tears in the eyes of all Indians," Bajrang made another post on X.

"These are the daughters of the country, who have always brought glory to the country. Those who have always placed thorns in the path of these daughters will at least learn a lesson from these daughters and will refrain from sowing thorns in their path in future."