Hope she reconsiders the retirement and decides to make a comeback and fight her demons.
As we celebrate our 78th independence day, there is a kind of gloom this morning as followers of sport. With the Vinesh Phogat appeal dismissed, her last hope was dashed last night. While it was not a surprise, based on the events of the last few days a kind of hope had also been kindled. Vinesh, people close to her tell me, is devastated. “It is as if she is having to relive the 7th August morning again. She is in no position to speak and this will take time to sink in. It will always remain a scar”, said someone who is very close to her.
And soon after the verdict came out did the social media experts get to their job. Some called her a political stooge while others started comparing her with Nishant Dev saying he too got a raw deal. I was there for both bouts and may I say that Nishant too deserved better but there is absolutely no comparison between Vinesh and Nishant. Vinesh won three bouts fair and square and one against the world champion Susaki. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it was one of the best fights of her career. The semi-final against Guzman Lopez was one sided and Vinesh was on a roll. To deny her credit for the three wins is plain silly or vindictive. You can’t empathise with her, leave her alone. You can’t feel bad for her, don’t celebrate her pain. You can’t show solidarity, just don’t say anything at all. If you can’t say a word in support, just let her be.
Nishant was unlucky. But just. He won the first round despite being given a standing count and thereafter the second round was close. In the third, he was tired and it showed. While he should have won basis the first two rounds, the fact is he hadn’t won the bout and to be compared to Vinesh is unfair.
For Vinesh, it is all gloom and doom. Despite having fought the best she has in her life her results stand expunged. She stands disqualified and is listed last. While she watches the three bouts on television and social media, she’d know that none of these will ever be officially recognised. Is she watching simulation? A video game? Or did she actually do it and win against the world champion? She will keep asking these questions of herself as she laments the importance of 100 grams. Each time we have a banana and pick out on a tomato to cook, just think that its weight can deny someone an Olympic gold or silver medal.
In my 30 years of covering sport, few events have left such a mark. A scar. This one will take time to overcome. India’s story of the Paris 2024 games will always be Vinesh Phogat. The trauma and the pain. And in all of this she should seek freedom. Liberation and resolve. Yes she will take time to heal. It will not be easy. But she is Vinesh Phogat, the mother of comebacks. If she could make it back after being told that her leg has to be amputated in Rio, she can comeback from retirement and get on the mat again. If she could comeback post Tokyo, she can do it now. Most, if she could make the Olympics and beat Susaki after being dragged by cops on the streets of Delhi, we know what her resolve can be like. On independence day, we would like to see her make a comeback again. For herself and for India. Get on the mat and fight her demons. Be free. Be independent. Will wait for that day. In solidarity with her.