Vinesh Phogat forgets to mention Mahabir Phogat's name in her statement after Paris Olympics heartbreak
Behind the successful careers of Vinesh Phogat, Geeta Phogat, and Babita Phogat is Mahavir Singh Phogat. Mahavir had gone through numerous obstacles as he came from a conservative village that followed traditional norms about women. Everyone used to mock him for preparing his daughters and niece as wrestlers in the 'akhada'.
Mahavir undoubtedly played a huge role in Vinesh's life and if not for him, she probably wouldn't have managed so many accolades over the past few years. But in her statement on X on Friday, August 16, she forgot to mention Mahabir.
Pawan Saroha, the husband of Vinesh's cousin Geeta Phogat, wrote on X, quote-posting her statement (the quote has been translated from Hindi):
"Vinesh, you have written very well but perhaps today you have forgotten your uncle Mahavir Phogat. Who started your wrestling career. May God give you pure wisdom."
It is believed that Mahavir looked after Vinesh like his own daughter after her father passed away when she was very young. Challenged by society, not only did Mahavir break the barriers in his village, but he also gave India three top wrestlers - Babita Phogat, Geeta Phogat, and Vinesh Phogat.
A film named Dangal was also released to rejoice the struggles of the Phogat family and how Mahavir believed that the daughters were at par with the sons, with Aamir Khan playing his role.
Vinesh Phogat's plea rejected by CAS
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) dismissed Vinesh Phogat's plea for a shared silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She got disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final after she was found 100 grams overweight. She was scheduled to take on Sarah Hildebrandt from the USA, who ultimately went on to win the gold medal.
Vinesh was notably considered a favorite to win the final, as she had previously defeated Hildebrandt. But the Indian wrestler's disqualification meant she was not even in contention for a medal.