List Of Accolades Vinesh Phogat Won Over Her Wrestling Career
Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport after a glorious campaign spanning over a decade. The 29-year-old declared it on social media after she exited the Paris Olympics 2024 due to disqualification for missing weight before the gold medal bout. But even with that Olympic heartbreak of 2016, Vinesh leaves you with a series of scintillating achievements under her name. She is now considered one of the greatest-ever wrestlers produced by India: the first Indian woman to fight in three Olympics, the first to make an Olympic final, and the first to win gold at the Asian Games. She is also India’s only female wrestler with more than one world championship medal. Olympics 2024 Paris Olympics – Final (50kg) Vinesh’s campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics was nothing short of dramatic. She made it to the final following a thrilling 3-2 win over reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan making it her first loss after a streak of 84 consecutive matches. She then beat both Oksana Livach and Yusneylys Guzman to become the first-ever Indian woman to make the final of an Olympic wrestling event. But on the day of the final, she was disqualified for failing to make the weight. 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Quarterfinal (53kg) Vinesh Phogat was seeded as the world number one for the Tokyo Olympics but fell to a bitter defeat in the quarterfinal at the hands of Belarus’ Vanesa Kaladzinskaya, a two-time world champion who later took bronze. 2016 Rio Olympics – Quarterfinal: 48kg Vinesh Phogat made her Olympic debut in Rio at 21 years of age. She was participating in the 48kg category, and during the quarterfinal match against China’s Sun Yanan, she suffered an ACL tear that forced her to withdraw from the event. She got the prestigious Arjuna Award later that year. World Championships 2022 Belgrade Worlds – BRONZE (53kg) Vinesh Phogat won a bronze at the World Championships in 2022 after losing the semifinal to eventual silver medal winner Batkhuyagiin Khulan of Mongolia in the first round. She won the repechage clearing two-time European champion Jonna Malmgren of Sweden. 2019 Nur-Sultan Worlds – BRONZE (53kg) Her 2019 World Championships bronze came after a defeat to Japan’s Mayu Mukaida, herself a three-time world champion and Tokyo gold medallist. Vinesh Phogat sealed her place on the podium by beating Paris gold medallist Sarah Hildebrandt and three-time worlds medallist Maria Prevolaraki of Greece in the repechage. Asian Games 2018 Jakarta – GOLD (50kg) It was also at the 2018 Asian Games where Vinesh Phogat avenged her Rio Olympics loss by defeating Sun Yanan in the Round of 16. She went on to win gold after defeating two-time Asian champion Yuki Irie, thus becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at the Asian Games. 2014 Incheon – BRONZE (48kg) At just 20 years old, Vinesh Phogat bagged a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games and became the third Indian woman to do so. She won the bronze through the repechage route after having lost to the three-time world champion and reigning Rio Olympics gold medallist Eri Tosaka of Japan. Commonwealth Games 2022 Birmingham – GOLD (53kg) From the heartbreak of Tokyo and a subsequent fall-out with the Wrestling Federation of India, to Vinesh Phogat bouncing back at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, becoming the first Indian woman to win three CWG golds. 2018 Gold Coast – GOLD (50kg) Phogat was making a stunning comeback from her Rio injury after winning all her bouts, bring home gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 2014 Glasgow – GOLD (48kg) Vinesh Phogat’s first big win on the international circuit came at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she won gold a month shy of her 20th birthday. Brilliant Asian Championship Performances Vinesh Phogat has been a consistent performer at the Asian Wrestling Championships and won medals in every edition that she participated. Her personal medals include four bronze medals (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020), three silver medals (2015, 2017, 2018) and a gold medal in 2021. Personal Accolades and Legacy Phogat is widely recognized for her contributions in the field of wrestling. In 2019, she became the first Indian to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award and for the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2022. Vinesh was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2016 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020. She returned both these awards in 2023 during the wrestler protests. With the retirement of Vinesh Phogat, one great career in Indian wrestling finally comes to an end. Her journey was one of resilience, perseverance, and unparalleled success. The type of legacy she will leave behind will motivate generations of wrestlers when she steps away from the sport. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
“Alvida Kushti” Says Vinesh Phogat After Olympic Disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport through an emotional social media post. The 29-year-old, who was bound to compete for the 50kg gold medal bout, revealed her decision after dramatic events unfolded when she was ruled out of contention at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to an overweight of 100 grams. A Tearful Goodbye Having made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to enter a gold medal bout in her category, Phogat expressed deep disappointment. In a message to her mother, Premlata, Phogat wrote, “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive (me),” Phogat, a two-time world championship bronze medalist, has now retired from wrestling. Phogat’s Disqualification The disqualification came barely minutes before the final contest Wednesday, with Phogat way above her category’s limit. Severe dehydration—in the wake of extreme measures taken to make the weight in, including fasting and without fluids all day, and staying awake all night—saw her spend much of the day at a polyclinic inside the Games village. Appeal and Legal Proceedings Phogat had appealed CAS to turn her disqualification into a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who took her place in the final bout against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt went on to win that bout and take the gold medal. The appeal of Phogat was to be heard in the next few hours by the ad-hoc division of CAS set up in Paris for disputes arising from the Olympic Games. Phogat’s Legacy Phogat has had a career resonating with gold medals in Asian and Commonwealth Games and has been one of the icons in wrestling. Her recent efforts also include spearheading protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment. Vinesh Phogat’s retirement brings curtains on one of the remarkable journeys as a three-time Olympian and the trailblazer of Indian women in wrestling. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: How Wrestling Weigh-Ins Work?
Vinesh Phogat missed her shot at an Olympic medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 by failing to make the weigh-in for the final event in the 50 kg category. On Wednesday morning, Vinesh was about 100 grams over the permissible limit of 50kg, thereby ruling her out of participation in the competition. The Weight Cut: The torturous process In wrestling, much like most other contact sports, the athletes go through something called a “weight cut” to reach their exact weight class. This typically means a systematic loss of weight over some period, usually two weeks prior to the event. An athlete may lose even up to 10% of his mass in that period of time. Take the example of a wrestler who weighs 60 kg and is competing in the 57 kg category. They would need to lose 3 kgs of their weight slowly within two weeks. The final 24 hours leading up to weigh-in are the most difficult times of a weight cut. This is where, in desperation, so many athletes turn to ridiculous strategies such as extra-long cardio sessions in a sweat suit, repeated steam and sauna sessions, trying to get as much fluid out of their body as possible. Others even shave their head just to lose that extra gram or two. Such extreme measures put a great physical and mental drain on the body, and more often than not, such sleepless nights are attributed to exhaustion. How Wrestling Weigh-Ins Work? Wrestlers have two weigh-ins. One in the morning when preliminary rounds start and another in the morning for final rounds, to make sure that athletes remain within their weight category throughout the competition. Vinesh Phogat had successfully made the weight this morning before the day’s preliminary rounds. However, on Wednesday morning—the day of her final—the weight checked in 100 grams above the 50 kg limit, disqualifying her. Post Weight-Cut Nutrition By the morning of the competition, when athletes finally make weight, they fill themselves with electrolytes, simple carbohydrates, and a little protein to regain their strength. Therefore, it is believed that athletes should maintain their nutrition very carefully as intake in excess could result in excessive weight gain that forbids them from competing. Normally, wrestlers fight for three bouts on the first day, so they have to balance between good nutrition and hydration without burdening their drained bodies. Conditions and Regulations of the Competition The United World Wrestling (UWW) rulebook has stipulated that it is a closed form of competition with stringent weigh-in procedures. Article 8 of the Competition System has stated that there will be a medical control and first weigh-in in the morning of the concerned weight category. The second weigh-in the next morning is for athletes who will compete in the finals and repechages. It is to note that there is no weight tolerance for the second weigh-in, even though there is a 2kg tolerance at World Cup and International Tournaments, excluding UWW Ranking Events. It is also articulated in UWW’s Chapter 3, Article 11 that each morning, the concerned weight category holds weigh-ins and medical control. The first weigh-in takes 30 minutes, whereas the second weigh-in is also 15 minutes for athletes in the repechages and finals. Other Instances of Disqualification Vinesh Phogat is not the first to be disqualified. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, there have been three other wrestlers who did not pass weigh-ins:– Stevan Mićić (Serbia) – Men’s Freestyle 57 kg– Batyrbek Tsakulov (Slovakia) – Men’s Freestyle 65 kg– Danila Semenov (Russia) – Men’s Light Heavyweight (80-92 kg) Examples like this add weight to just how strict and unforgiving the weight regime is in wrestling, showing how much exact weight really matters in it. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Dream Dashed by Weight Mishap
Today, the world saw how cruel sports can be. It takes you up, gives you glamour and hopes, and all of a sudden it shatters you down within no time. The same happened with Vinesh Phogat. Vinesh Phogat’s dream of an Olympic medal has come crashing down as she failed to make weight for her final bout in the women’s 50kg. Disqualified from the competition, she will not be allowed to compete in the final and the confirmed silver medal will also be taken away from her. First Reaction From The Industry Expert Dr. Amol Patil, a renowned sports physician and wellness consultant, said while speaking to The Sportz Planet, “Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification is a tragic outcome of a systemic failure in athlete preparation. Weight management in combat sports is a complex issue, but it’s clear that a scientific, athlete-centered approach is essential. It’s perplexing why India’s central sports science team wasn’t involved earlier to address the weight issue. We need to prioritize athlete health and performance by implementing evidence-based strategies with integration of technology. This incident demands a thorough review of our sports science support system.“ Dr. Patil’s Opinion The role of the support staff cannot be overstated. Coaches, nutritionists and physicians must work in tandem to create personalized weight management plans. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the plan are essential to ensure the athlete stays on track. The Indian Olympic Association’s central sports science team should play a more proactive role in providing expertise and support to athletes across all disciplines. It’s crucial to remember that weight management is not solely about achieving the target weight; it’s about optimizing performance and protecting athlete health. By adopting a scientific, athlete-centered approach, India can not only prevent future disqualifications but also enhance the overall performance of its athletes. The time for reactive measures is over. It’s time for a proactive, evidence-based approach to weight management in Indian sports. An Unfortunate History India, unfortunately, has a history of grappling with weigh-in issues in combat sports. The absence of a structured, scientific approach to weight management is a glaring gap in our sports science support system. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for a paradigm shift in how we prepare our athletes. Solution Central to addressing this issue is the implementation of regular, comprehensive monitoring. Segmental body composition analysis can provide invaluable insights into an athlete’s body composition, allowing for tailored nutrition and hydration plans. This data-driven approach, when combined with the expertise of nutritionists, physicians, and coaches, can significantly reduce the risk of last-minute weight crises. Furthermore, athletes must be educated about the dangers of rapid weight loss and the importance of gradual, sustainable weight management. A strong emphasis on nutrition, hydration, and recovery is paramount. Athletes should be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight throughout the year, rather than resorting to extreme measures in the lead-up to competitions. This was the first time Phogat has been disqualified, and it was a big, somber moment for Olympic wrestling. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Vinesh Phogat Aims For Gold In 50 kg Wrestling Final
A year of protest against the federation chief. Slept on pavements for 40 days. Was beaten, dragged by the police. Nearly immersed all her medals in the Ganga. Underwent knee surgery. Sealed her Olympic spot after an unforgiving qualification process. Became the 1st Indian woman wrestler to qualify for three successive Olympics. And now at Paris Olympics 2024, she’s beaten the unbeatable defending champ, won two more bouts to become the first Indian woman to reach a wrestling Olympic final. Words fail to appreciate what Vinesh Phogat has just done. Historic Achievement Vinesh Phogat has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to make it to an Olympic wrestling final. Phogat achieved this feat by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman 5-0 in the semifinal of the women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday, 07th August, 2024. Dominant In The Semifinal Vinesh Phogat, participating in the 50 kg weight category for the first time, showed her class when she won the bout through a points decision. The win assured India of a medal in the event and took Phogat into the gold-medal match to be held on Wednesday, where she will face USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Story Of The Semi-Final In the semifinal bout, Phogat first got her point due to passivity by Guzman. Later on, availing a second passivity warning against her opponent in the second round, she bagged four points and cemented her position for the final. Here’s Phogat’s journey to the semi-finals of Paris 2024. Impressive Form At Paris 2024 Phogat’s journey to the final of the Paris Olympics 2024 has been excellent. Barely a few days ago, she had made news when she beat defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the round of 16. She then carried her fine form into the next round by beating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals. Awaits Gold-Medal Bout With her recent performance, Vinesh Phogat is now only the second Indian woman wrestler to secure an Olympic medal after Sakshi Malik managed the feat. The wrestling fraternity and Indian sports enthusiasts keenly await her performance in the final bout as she aims to bring home a piece of gold. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Vinesh Phogat Enters Semi Finals in Women’s 50kg Freestyle Wrestling
On Tuesday, 06th August, 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat created a career-high by making it to the semifinals of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024. In a thrilling quarter-final, Vinesh overcame three-time Oksana Livach of Ukraine, a gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, to win 7-5. This will be the first time Vinesh has ever appeared in an Olympic semifinal. Semifinal vs Yusneylys Guzman That is a tantalizing semi final encounter up next with Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman, who won the gold in the Pan American Games 2023. Guzman is a formidable greco-roman wrestler and will be one of the obstacles on Vinesh’s path to the final. A Bit Earlier A bit earlier in the competition, Vinesh shocked the reigning Olympic champion, four-time World Champion Yui Susaki from Japan with a 3-2 narrow victory. That win took special prominence as Susaki did not let any of her opponents score a point in the competition of the Tokyo Games. Cementing Her Place At Paris 2024 Vinesh confirmed her place at the Paris Olympics 2024 by reaching the final of the Asian Olympic Qualifier this year, where she outmaneuvered Laura Ganikyzy in the semifinal. This achievement marked a kind of streak with her performance and don’t-give-up quality on the international stage. A Historic Achievement for Indian Wrestling To say that Vinesh’s campaign in the Olympics was not anything but a series of struggles would be an understatement. She lost in the quarterfinals in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. During Rio in 2016, she suffered a disastrous ACL injury in the midst of battle and due to that had to retire, thus ending her campaign. Vinesh Phogat, competing in her third straight Olympic Games, became the first female Indian wrestler to very well start with the journey in Paris, unbeaten, best in many ways. Now, the fans will be looking at her next encounter against Guzman to break into the final of Paris Olympics 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shteye
Amidst protest from young wrestlers, ad hoc panel announces it will conduct U-15 and U-20 National Championships
On Wednesday, the ad hoc panel announced they would be organising the U-15 and U-20 National Wrestling Championships within six weeks. This announcement by the committee comes after several young wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar to stage a protest. The young wrestlers blamed Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat for the lack of wrestling events in the nation. In a statement, Bhupender Singh Bajwa, chairman of the three-member panel, mentioned that the committee acknowledges the issues raised by the young wrestlers and is committed to providing them with a solution. Further, the statement described the various initiatives the committee has taken since being appointed on December 27th, 2023. The ad hoc panel stated that its efforts are targeted towards the growth of wrestling in India. It also mentioned the U-15 and U-20 National Championships would take place in Gwalior in February. The committee urged wrestlers to keep their preparation on for these upcoming events. Since January 2023, there have been no national camps or junior national championships Varun Anand Bhat | The Sportz Planet
