Dangal @ Paris2024

The world of sports, meant to be a beacon of fair play, skill, and human achievement, has become increasingly entangled in the intricate webs of politics. Look at the recent history, viz Tour de France, 100 m sprints, Cricket and Football umpiring fiascos or Berlin Olympics etc. 

The recent disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics serves as a stark reminder of this harsh reality. A mere(?) 100 grams over the weight limit led to her ousting, sparking a maelstrom of criticism on social media, finger-pointing within the team management and WFI, and even a heated debate in Parliament.

In the midst of this chaos, two fundamental questions arise: 

Is Vinesh Phogat a victim of circumstances or not?

 And how would the nation have reacted if she had won a gold or silver medal, had she not been disqualified?

The answer to the first question can be resounding Yes or a No.  Did Vinesh Phogat, an athlete who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in her sport, found herself at the mercy of red tape and political machinations? Did The weight limit, a critical aspect of her sport, was compromised due to factors beyond her control?

 Yet, she bore the brunt of the blame, facing merciless scrutiny from the public and the media on one hand and a nation rising in support behind her. But surely a house divided. 

The second question prompts a sobering reflection. Had Vinesh Phogat emerged victorious, the same voices that condemned her would have hailed her as a national hero. The team management, WFI, and politicians would have basked in the glory of her achievement, claiming credit for her success. 

This episode exposes the dark underbelly of politics(unanswered questions)in sports, and raises deeper questions about the role of the support staff and management,  where athletes become pawns in a game of power, prestige, and national pride. The pressure to perform, the constant scrutiny, and the fear of failure can crush even the strongest of spirits. 

Vinesh Phogat's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this toxic environment.

As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the inherent value of supporting athletes like Vinesh Phogat, who represent India.  We must strive to create a system that supports and uplifts them, rather than sacrificing them at the altar of political expediency at Jantar Mantar. Only then can we truly celebrate the triumph of the human spirit in sports.

Ashutosh Tewari