Every step of life is a new war, we will win if you are with us… Although these are two lines of a song from the Bollywood film 'Meri Jung' released in the 90s. But, it fits perfectly on the life of Vinesh Phogat. Vinesh, who turned 29 on 25 August 2024, has had a life full of struggle. She has fought on the wrestling mat. But, a battle has also taken place in her life outside the mat. Just like she wrote the story of victory in the wrestling fought on the mat with the support of the coach. Similarly, thanks to the support from her mother and family, she has been winning the battle of life very well.

Born on 25 August 1994, Vinesh Phogat's struggles began when she was just 9 years old. The year was 2003 and the date was 25 October. This was the day of Karva Chauth, a week before Diwali. On this day, Indian women observe a fast for the long life of their husbands. But, Vinesh's mother, Premlata, lost her husband on this day just an hour before breaking the fast.

The first bullet hit the chest, the second on the forehead and the father's shadow was taken away

Vinesh Phogat's father Rajpal, who was a driver in Haryana Roadways, had just returned from his day's work.

He was sitting outside the house when his cousin suddenly shot him. The first bullet hit Rajpal's chest while the second bullet hit his forehead, after which he died within moments.

On the day of Karvachauth, Vinesh's mother Premlata was devastated after seeing her husband's dead body soaked in blood. But then she thought of her children. She composed herself for their sake. In this way, the mother found a new purpose in life and Vinesh Phogat found the hand on her head which had disappeared with the departure of her father.

Mother and uncle took care of him and made him a champion wrestler

In an interview given to BBC, Vinesh Phogat has also said that my mother's sacrifice and dedication has been involved in making me a champion wrestler.

I can never forget the efforts she has made to make me successful. I will always be grateful to my mother for all that.

In recovering from this big accident of life, Vinesh Phogat got great support from her mother as well as her uncle Mahavir Phogat. Vinesh's father's dream was that his daughter should become a champion wrestler. His dream was that his beloved daughter should also be welcomed warmly in his village Bawali.

Geeta-Babita's father and Dronacharya Awardee Mahavir Phogat helped Vinesh a lot in realizing her father's dream. Vinesh Phogat has also said in an interview that her uncle never let her feel the absence of her father.

After the Paris Olympics, the journey back home was different

There have been a few occasions in Vinesh Phogat's life before when she returned from an international championship and was warmly welcomed in the village of Bawali. But, the way celebrations were held in Bawali to welcome Vinesh after she returned from the Paris Olympics a few days before her 29th birthday, broke all previous dimensions of welcome.

Vinesh Phogat created history in the Paris Olympics. She became the first Indian female wrestler to reach the finals on the Olympic mat. But, she was disqualified as her weight was 100 grams more in the weigh-in before the final. Vinesh Phogat participated in the women's 50 kg wrestling event in the Paris Olympics.

Be it mat or road… Vinesh fought bravely everywhere

Vinesh played her last Olympics in Paris. Because, after being disqualified due to weight gain, she announced her retirement. Vinesh played her first Olympics in Rio. There, while fighting in the 48 kg category, Vinesh's knee was injured in the quarterfinals. After staying away from wrestling for about one and a half years, she made a comeback and surprised the world. After that, she went to play in the Tokyo Olympics but could not do anything special there.

Beyond the Olympics, Vinesh's continued dominance was seen on the mat of the World Championship. Apart from fighting many battles on the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat also fought a battle on the road after the mat. That fight of Vinesh was related to the sexual harassment of female wrestlers. It was related to the allegations made against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was the president of the Indian Wrestling Association.