Vinesh Phogat did not feel like a loser after losing on the mat. The former world championships medallist declared that she had already won by returning to competition after becoming a mother and by defying a system that she claimed had done everything in its power to keep her away from wrestling after her attempt to make a comeback was unsuccessful in the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday.
“I have not failed at all. I am fighting the whole system and I am still standing with pride on the mat again,” after losing to Meenakshi Goyat 4-6 in the semifinals, PTI quoted Vinesh as saying, underlining her goal of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Vinesh unleashed a vicious attack on the wrestling administration minutes after losing, accusing them of discrimination, mental harassment, and attempts to prevent her from returning to competitive wrestling in spite of court decisions that favored her.
“They wanted to stop me from returning to the mat, but I am standing here again. I am proud of what I have achieved in these 10 months. I know the system will continue to create challenges for me, but I have hope that through hard work I can leave the system behind and move forward,” she added, refusing to view the semifinal defeat as a setback.
Vinesh, who was competing for the first time since her devastating disqualification from the 2024 Olympic final in Paris, claimed that her comeback to elite competition following delivery was her greatest accomplishment. It seemed like a win, she said, to return to competition after becoming a mother and after months of legal and administrative struggles.
“It has been only 10 months since my son was born. I am standing on the mat again and competing against the younger generation. I am proud of myself. I hope I can inspire my son and many women wrestlers,” she said.
Vinesh called the Delhi High Court’s decision to let her to take part in the trials a turning point for female wrestlers who want to return after becoming mothers.
“A girl is coming back to the mat after becoming a mother. The path has opened. Sooner or later there has to be a policy. Women wrestlers who want to return after becoming mothers should get a fair opportunity and some relaxation,” she said.
The 31-year-old said that officials persisted in creating barriers for her despite the court’s involvement. She claimed that after learning she would only be permitted to compete in the 50kg category on Saturday morning, despite her desire to fight in the 53kg, she spent about an hour arguing with officials.
“When I should have been focusing on my recovery and preparation, I was arguing with officials. They gave me a letter saying I could compete only in 50kg. It was mental harassment,” she said.
Vinesh asserted that the entire process was set up to disadvantage her, claiming that scheduling choices sapped her energy before to the semifinal and that better wrestlers were purposefully placed in her draw.
“I was not given a fair deal. All the strong girls in my category were put in my path. The bouts were scheduled in a manner that affected my energy levels,” she alleged.
Despite her complaints, Vinesh took ownership of her loss and acknowledged that her performance was harmed by a lack of competitive experience and stamina.
“I accept my defeat. I will work harder and return stronger. Fitness and endurance were issues, but more than that, I needed competitions. I had not competed for nearly two years. This was my first tournament after becoming a mother,” she said.
She said that her performance on Saturday persuaded her that she is still capable of competing with the top wrestlers in the nation.
“I was motivated today. I know I can beat the younger girls. I still have that courage and belief. If I work hard, I know I can come back stronger.”
Vinesh said that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics were still a goal.
“Definitely. I have come back to the mat for Los Angeles,” she said.
The wrestler saved some of her harshest criticism for the sports administration, asking why, in spite of numerous disagreements regarding her involvement, no organization had stepped in.
“The government, the Sports Ministry, the IOA — nobody is taking a stand. This is very sad. If athletes have to survive despite the system, then something is seriously wrong,” she said.
Additionally, she said that many young wrestlers secretly backed her but were hesitant to publicly criticize administrators.
“A lot of girls were happy to see me back on the mat. They come and talk to me but they are scared. They know what can happen if they speak against powerful people,” she said.
However, Vinesh underlined that she had no grievances against other wrestlers and stated that athletes shouldn’t be held accountable for the sport’s more serious problems.
“The kids are not at fault. I don’t have anger towards any athlete. The problem is with the people who manipulate and control the system,” she said.
