Who is Vinesh Phogat, The Indian Wrestler Competing in Women's 50kg Freestyle Event at Paris Olympics 2024?

Vinesh Phogat (born 25 August 1994) is an accomplished Indian wrestler known for her significant achievements in freestyle wrestling. She is notable for being the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold medals at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Additionally, Vinesh is the only Indian woman wrestler to have won multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships. In 2019, she became the first Indian athlete to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

Vinesh comes from a family with a strong wrestling background and has been a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, advocating for athletes' rights and welfare.

Early Life and Education

Vinesh is the daughter of wrestler Rajpal Phogat and is related to other prominent wrestlers, including her cousins Geeta and Babita Phogat, both of whom have also achieved success in wrestling.

Her family faced considerable societal pressure for allowing their daughters to pursue competitive wrestling, as it was seen as contrary to traditional community values.

Personal Life

Vinesh married fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee on 13 December 2018, after having known him since 2011. Both Vinesh and Somvir work for the Indian Railways, where they met and developed their relationship.

Vinesh has faced significant challenges in her wrestling career, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during the Rio Olympics, which threatened her career. Despite this setback, she has shown resilience and determination to return to the sport.

In addition to her physical challenges, Vinesh has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of wrestlers in India. She played a leading role in the 2023 Indian wrestlers' protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, addressing issues of harassment and demanding accountability from the Wrestling Federation of India.

Wrestling Career

Vinesh's wrestling career is marked by numerous accolades and milestones. She has won medals at various prestigious events, including two bronze medals at the World Championships (2019 and 2022), gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, and 2022), and a gold medal at the Asian Games (2018).

Vinesh has also achieved success at the Asian Championships, securing multiple medals across different years. Her career highlights include becoming the first Indian woman to win gold at the Asian Games and being ranked as the world's top wrestler in her category.

Despite facing challenges, including a suspension from the Wrestling Federation of India post-Tokyo Olympics, Vinesh continues to compete and has secured a quota place for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.