If you take wrestling away from me, you take the life out of me: Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat, the sports icon who, despite falling short of a medal, has etched her name in the annals of sporting history.
On a rain-soaked evening in Jalandhar, thousands gathered at Lovely Professional University on August 29 for a felicitation event honouring the Olympic champions, which also included Vinesh Phogat.
When Vinesh finally appeared, the cheers from the crowd were deafening. Despite her smiles, the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable. The rain seemed to echo her emotions, momentarily blurring her vision as she faced the throngs of fans who had come to honour her achievements. Even with the emotional weight she carried, the event soon transformed into a celebration of her indomitable spirit, with the crowd doing everything they could to lift her spirits.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening occurred when Vinesh, along with other champions, unexpectedly picked up a hockey stick and joined the crowd in a friendly game. Among those playing was Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh.
When asked why she chose wrestling and how aspiring athletes could follow in her footsteps, Vinesh responded with the confidence born of decades of mastering her craft. «I’ve always loved hockey since I was a child,» she shared with a soft smile, «but wrestling is my true passion. If you take wrestling away from me, it’s like taking the very life out of me.»
Her voice brimmed with pride as she went on, «Every single moment, I feel an immense pride that I get to represent my country, that I fight for
