Indian Wrestling’s Star: Vinesh Phogat’s Remarkable Career and Achievements

Vinesh Phogat, a name that echoes through the halls of Indian wrestling, has been a beacon of hope and excellence for the nation. She has faced the fiercest of battles and emerged victorious time and again.

Yet, on the grandest stage of all, the Olympics, fortune hasn’t always favoured her.Despite her best efforts, Vinesh's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal in the Women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category was rejected, leaving her Olympic journey without the medal she so richly deserved.

But this setback cannot diminish the champion she is—a warrior who has brought pride to India in countless other arenas.Vinesh's career is a testament to her relentless spirit and unparalleled dedication. And it's only fitting that we celebrate her incredible achievements

Commonwealth Games: Golden Hat-Trick

From a family of wrestling legends, Vinesh Phogat, under the guidance of her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat, has carved her own legacy. Her first major triumph came in 2014 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she struck gold in the 48 kg category, defeating England’s Yana Rattigan. She didn’t stop there. Vinesh went on to defend her title in the next two editions, making her only the 2nd Indian overall and the first among Indian women to win three consecutive gold medals at the CWG.

Asian Games: Gold and Bronze

Vinesh’s prowess extends beyond the Commonwealth Games. She’s the only Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. In 2014, she claimed a bronze at the Asian Games, but in 2018, she elevated her game, defeating Japan’s Yuki Irie to secure the gold with a 6-2 victory.

World Championships: Bronze Glory

On the global stage, Vinesh has twice captured bronze at the World Championships. Her first came in 2019 in the women’s 53 kg category, and she followed it up with another bronze in 2022 after a remarkable series of victories in the repechage rounds.

Asian Wrestling Championships: Consistent Excellence

Vinesh has been super consistent with podium finishes in every Asian Wrestling Championship she’s entered. Her journey began with a bronze in 2014, and she added three more bronze medals in 2016, 2019, and 2020. She also secured three silver medals in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and crowned her achievements with a gold in 2021.

National Honours: A Champion Recognized

Vinesh's contributions to Indian sports haven’t gone unnoticed. She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2016 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020, though she returned both in 2023 during the wrestler protests.

Vinesh Phogat may not have an Olympic medal in her collection, but her legacy is far from incomplete. She remains a towering figure in Indian sports, an inspiration to millions, and a champion in every sense of the word. Her story is one of resilience, triumph, and unyielding determination—a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.