From Smiles to Tears: The Unseen Struggles Behind Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification

Today, the nation is in shock. Everyone has something to say or write about Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics. We all wanted her to win a medal; she deserves to win a medal; India deserves to win a medal. Coming so close and not being able to reach it, not even qualify, is a disaster. Nothing beats this frustration and sudden shock. Imagine what she’s going through—a life's battle to reach where you are, only to have 100 grams decide your destiny.

This incident highlights the often-overlooked sacrifices and immense hard work of our sportspeople. When they don’t perform or win a medal at the highest levels, we tend to ridicule them. But what we don’t see are the countless hours of training, the personal sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Phogat, in her desperate attempt to make weight, even considered drawing blood. She went to frantic levels of dehydration, was hospitalized, and had to be put on a drip—all because she saw gold in front of her eyes. She wasn’t just doing this for herself but for a nation starved of victory at the Olympics.

Despite these efforts, 100 grams stood between her and her dream. It’s a harsh reminder that success in sports is not just about physical prowess but also about the minutiae, the tiny details that can make or break a career. Phogat’s story is one of incredible determination and perseverance, yet it ended in heartbreak this time.

Whenever something goes wrong, there’s a tendency to blame others. The public has already started lambasting the support staff for their perceived negligence. But why this blame game? Why crucify those who are equally devastated by this loss? The support staff, like Phogat, have invested their time, energy, and expertise into her training. They, too, feel the pain of this loss.

Political figures are quick to use this incident to further their agendas, creating a political furor and pointing fingers at the ruling government. Everyone seems to have a take on this blame game, often without knowing the full story. We rely on media reports, which can be biased and agenda-driven, to form our opinions.

Instead of blaming the support staff, we should stand behind our team, including them. Let’s give them the respect and support they deserve. Phogat won all her fights leading to the finals; she deserves to be welcomed home as a hero. The entire team, including the support staff, should be celebrated for their efforts.

The final lesson here is that it’s not over until it’s over. Even a minuscule 100 grams can decide someone's destiny. It's crucial to pay attention to every detail, no matter how small.

As we reflect on this incident, let’s remember the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes and support them through their triumphs and tribulations. Vinesh Phogat may not have returned with a medal this time, but her journey and struggle embody the spirit of perseverance and dedication that inspires us all.

### From Smiles to Tears: The Unseen Struggles Behind Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification

Today, the nation is in shock. Everyone has something to say or write about Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics. We all wanted her to win a medal; she deserves to win a medal; India deserves to win a medal. Coming so close and not being able to reach it, not even qualify, is a disaster. Nothing beats this frustration and sudden shock. Imagine what she’s going through—a life's battle to reach where you are, only to have 100 grams decide your destiny.

This incident highlights the often-overlooked sacrifices and immense hard work of our sportspeople. When they don’t perform or win a medal at the highest levels, we tend to ridicule them. But what we don’t see are the countless hours of training, the personal sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Phogat, in her desperate attempt to make weight, even considered drawing blood. She went to frantic levels of dehydration, was hospitalized, and had to be put on a drip—all because she saw gold in front of her eyes. She wasn’t just doing this for herself but for a nation starved of victory at the Olympics.

Despite these efforts, 100 grams stood between her and her dream. It’s a harsh reminder that success in sports is not just about physical prowess but also about the minutiae, the tiny details that can make or break a career. Phogat’s story is one of incredible determination and perseverance, yet it ended in heartbreak this time.

Whenever something goes wrong, there’s a tendency to blame others. The public has already started lambasting the support staff for their perceived negligence. But why this blame game? Why crucify those who are equally devastated by this loss? The support staff, like Phogat, have invested their time, energy, and expertise into her training. They, too, feel the pain of this loss.

Political figures are quick to use this incident to further their agendas, creating a political furor and pointing fingers at the ruling government. Everyone seems to have a take on this blame game, often without knowing the full story. We rely on media reports, which can be biased and agenda-driven, to form our opinions.

Instead of blaming the support staff, we should stand behind our team, including them. Let’s give them the respect and support they deserve. Phogat won all her fights leading to the finals; she deserves to be welcomed home as a hero. The entire team, including the support staff, should be celebrated for their efforts.

The final lesson here is that it’s not over until it’s over. Even a minuscule 100 grams can decide someone's destiny. It's crucial to pay attention to every detail, no matter how small.

As we reflect on this incident, let’s remember the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes and support them through their triumphs and tribulations. Vinesh Phogat may not have returned with a medal this time, but her journey and struggle embody the spirit of perseverance and dedication that inspires us all.

There is a popular picture of Vinesh with her hands folded, as if she’s apologizing for not living up to the expectations of a billion hearts. Let this not be the case. Let us fold our hands too, saying that she’s given us more than we expected. All Indians today should fold their hands and welcome her back as our daughter who went, fought, and returned victorious. Let’s inspire her to prepare for the next challenge and not to retire, but to continue giving her best. Let her folded hands denote success and not grief.

- Original Article by Capt. Shoukat Mukherjee, Author, Storyteller