Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is back in the news, but this time, it’s not about wrestling. After missing out on a medal at the Paris Olympics, she has announced her retirement from the sport and is entering politics. Vinesh has joined the Congress party and will be contesting in the upcoming assembly elections. Before her new journey begins, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts about her impressive wrestling career.
1. Gold in Asian and Commonwealth Games (Same Year)
Vinesh Phogat made history in 2018 by winning gold in both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. In the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, she claimed the gold in the 50 kg category. Later that year, she became the first Indian female wrestler to win gold at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
2. Hat-trick of Gold Medals at Commonwealth Games
Vinesh is the only Indian woman wrestler to win three consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. She started this golden streak in 2014 in Glasgow, followed by another gold in the 2018 Gold Coast Games, and completed the hat-trick in 2022 at Birmingham.
3. First Indian Nominated for Laureus World Sports Award
In 2019, Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian athlete to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award. This nomination highlighted her excellence and dedication to the sport on a global platform.
4. Upset by Younger Wrestler Antim Panghal
Despite her stature, Vinesh faced a tough defeat against Antim Panghal, a wrestler 10 years younger than her. In a domestic match, Antim stunned everyone by beating Vinesh 10-0, showing how competitive and challenging the world of wrestling can be.
5. Defeated Japan’s Yui Susaki in the Olympics
In the Paris Olympics, Vinesh made headlines by stopping the winning streak of Japan’s Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic and world champion. Susaki had won 82 consecutive matches before facing Vinesh, who handed her the first loss of her international career.
With these remarkable achievements, Vinesh Phogat’s career is filled with stories of triumph, perseverance, and breaking barriers. As she enters a new phase in politics, her fans will surely watch her next steps with great anticipation.
