Vinesh Phogat’s Journey: From Struggles to Success
How Vinesh Phogat Overcame Personal Loss and Hardship to Become a Wrestling Champion, Inspired by Her Mother's Resilience
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspirational Journey of Vinesh Phogat and Her Unwavering Bond with Her Mother
Vinesh Phogat’s dreams began to take shape under the rigorous training provided by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, from a very young age. Today, she stands tall, achieving numerous milestones in her wrestling career, but her journey is marked by struggles known to few.
Born in the renowned wrestling family of Balali village in Haryana, Vinesh was introduced to the sport early in life. At the tender age of 9, tragedy struck when her father, Rajpal Singh Phogat, passed away due to cancer. This was a significant blow to young Vinesh and her 32-year-old mother.
Not long after losing her father, Vinesh’s mother, Prem Lata, was also diagnosed with cancer. Despite these hardships, Vinesh did not lose heart. With a resilience ingrained since childhood, she resolved to excel in wrestling and become a pillar of strength for her ailing mother.
Throughout her career and life, her mother stood by her, fighting her illness while supporting her daughter at every step. Vinesh describes their bond as one shared by best friends.
“When my father was alive, my mother mostly stayed at home. She probably didn’t even know the price of tomatoes. But after my father passed away, all responsibilities fell on her shoulders. She was so simple that even when she had to go to Rohtak for chemotherapy, she wouldn’t know whom to talk to and what to ask.
Being a single mother, she faced societal taunts. I grew up witnessing her struggles.
If an uneducated, single, and sick woman like my mother can fight society and raise her daughters to become wrestlers, then what can’t we achieve? I derive my courage from her; she is my inspiration.”
Vinesh Phogat’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter. Her achievements in wrestling are not just her own; they are a tribute to her mother’s relentless support and courage in the face of adversity.
