Wrestler Vinesh Phogat said that in “different circumstances” She can see herself competing until 2032, as she still has a lot left in her to wrestle, but she is now unsure about her future, as things will “probably never be the same again”.
Vinesh had announced her retirement from the sport She was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being 100 grams overweight. She challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but her appeal was rejected.
In an emotional post on social media, Vinesh shared her childhood dreams, the hardships she faced after losing her father and also recorded the contribution of people in her extraordinary journey that ended with heartbreak in Paris.
“….All I want to say is that we did not give up, did not stop trying, and we did not surrender, but the clock stopped and the time was not fair. That was my fate,” she wrote, referring to the work she did with her team ahead of the second day’s weigh-ins.
“My team, my fellow Indians and my family feel that the goal we were working towards and planning to achieve is left incomplete, something is always missing and things will never be the same again.
“Maybe under different circumstances I can see myself playing till 2032 because the fight and the wrestling inside me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me and what lies ahead in this journey but I am sure I will always keep fighting for what I believe in and what is right,” she wrote.
Though she may be heartbroken after her disqualification, Vinesh paid tribute to everyone who was a part of her extraordinary journey, saying her unmatched fighting spirit has a lot to do with her mother.
He said that his coach Woller Akos does not believe in the word ‘impossible’ and Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala is an angel.
Dr Pardiwala, who was the head of the 13-member medical staff appointed by the IOA to assist the Indian contingent in Paris, had recently faced unfair criticism after Vinesh lifted 100 grams more than the 50kg limit.
IOA President PT Usha came forward in defence of Dr Pardiwala.
“For me and I think many other Indian athletes he is not just a doctor but an angel sent by God. When I had lost faith in myself after facing injuries, it was his faith, work and belief in me that got me back on my feet,” Vinesh wrote.
“He has operated on me not once but thrice (both knees and an elbow) and has shown me how resilient the human body can be. His dedication, kindness and sincerity towards his work and Indian sports is something that no one, including God, can doubt. I will always be grateful to him and his entire team for their work and dedication.” With Belgian coach Akos, Vinesh won two World Championship medals. He played a key role in reshaping her game.
Vinesh wrote, “Whatever I write about him will be less. I have found him to be the best coach, the best guide and the best human being in the world of women’s wrestling, who is capable of handling any situation with his calmness, patience and confidence.”
“Impossible is not a word in his dictionary and whenever we face a difficult situation on or off the mat, he is always ready with a plan. There were times when I doubted myself, and I was drifting away from my inner focus and he knew exactly what to say to me and how to get me back on track.” Vinesh said Akos has never been hungry to take credit for her success but she wants to give him the recognition he deserves.
Recalling her tough childhood, where she lost her father and mother battled cancer, Vinesh said the battle to survive taught her a lot.
She shared how as a child she dreamt of having long hair and was fond of showing off her mobile phone, but her life was not easy because of the hardships she faced, especially during her childhood.
“….survival has taught me a lot. Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit has made me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think of courage I think of her and it is this courage that helps me fight every battle without thinking about the outcome.
“Despite the tough road ahead, we as a family never lost our faith in God and always trusted that he has planned the right things for us. Mom would always say that God will never let bad things happen to good people,” she said, adding that her husband Somveer Rathi always protected her no matter what.
“…..It would be wrong to say that we were equal partners when we were facing challenges, because they sacrificed at every step and bore my hardships, always supporting me. They put my journey above their own and supported me with utmost commitment, dedication and honesty. If it weren’t for them, I can’t even imagine being here, continuing my fight and facing each day head on.” She also mentioned the important role played by trainer Wayne Patrick Lombard and physio Ashwini Jeevan Patil.