As India Celebrates Its First Rio Medal, Here's Why Injured Vinesh Phogat Should Be Celebrated Too
As India Celebrates Its First Rio Medal, Here's Why Injured Vinesh Phogat Should Be Celebrated Too
India got up on Thursday morning to the good news of winning its first medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics via Sakshi Malik's herculean effort in the women's 58kg freestyle wrestling event. After some heart-breaking losses and painful errors that cost India chance to grab medals earlier in the competition, Sakshi's bronze has calmed the country somewhat.
BCCL
But before Sakshi made the quarters, it was compatriot Vinesh Phogat, sister of London Games Olympian Geeta Phogat, sealed her last-8 spot. However, Vinesh's progress beyond that stage was stunted as an injury against her Chinese opponent ended her campaign, rather painfully.
The agony on her face was visible as she was being carried away on a stretcher from the mat and it was the most painful exit from the Games for any athlete.
BCCL
Now, Vinesh, definitely hurt, vows to come back and stay strong.
If I tel u that I m ok it wud b lying to myself n all of u. Right nw I m hurt; both physically and mentally. I ll recover soon. Thank u all??
¡ª Vinesh Phogat (@phogat_vinesh) August 17, 2016
Watching an injured Vinesh, her opponent Sun Yanan, who was very nervous, went up to Vinesh to say sorry. She was declared the winner but she went along along with Vinesh's stretcher, carrying her kit bag and helping the medics. It was tough and moving for every one in the audience and millions watching on TV.
India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was quick to respond to Vinesh and offered her help.
Vinesh - You are our daughter. @indiainbrazil is your family. Ask for anything you require. https://t.co/I3Y4axejq6
¡ª Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 18, 2016
Reuters
Vinesh looked the best of India's women wrestlers, most stunningly in the bout that ended in 11-0 win. She was down 1-2 to Yanan when disaster struck, and within seconds it was evident that Vinesh's quest for glory - and they were serious chances - had ended in tears.
BCCL
A few hours later, Sakshi won in repechage to lift the mood of the nation. Sakshi dedicated her medal to Vinesh and to the country. Doctors may have cleared Vinesh of a fracture and put her on track of a recovery in a couple of weeks, but what of the mental pain that engulfs her right now.
This is when whole of India came out in support of Vinesh, at a time when she dearly needs it.
@phogat_vinesh you were absolutely superb today and would have easily won a bronze if not more watched you and can say your an inspiration
¡ª Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh I was almost in tears by seeing u in so much pain??,No worries your always a champion 2 us..Get well soon & come back stronger
¡ª Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) August 18, 2016
@phogat_vinesh we can't fight with destiny. Hopefully something big is for you in future. All the best champ. And recover soon.
¡ª Amanpreet Singh (@amanthejourno) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh You were brilliant, and I'm sure you'd have won us a medal if not for the injury! You did your best! Hope you recover well ?
¡ª Tishtriya (@tishtriya) August 18, 2016
@phogat_vinesh You are a fighter. You gonna fight back like a wounded lion. #Rio2016 nahi toh #Tokyo2020 !
¡ª Keshava (@Kumar_Ke5hav) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh come back in 2020 and aim for the gold ! 1.25 billion people are with you ! More power to you
¡ª Calvin Hobbes (@icalvinhobbes) August 18, 2016
Get well soon Vinesh, India will need you!
