Tokyo Olympics: “5 Years Back, I Wasn’t Even Sure Whether I Would be Able to Get on the Mat Again,” Vinesh Phogat

The Tokyo Olympics are all set to begin in two weeks, and the anticipation is high. Vinesh Phogat released an emotional statement on Sunday night, sharing her journey to the Tokyo Olympics. She talked about the tough times and the adversity she went through to make her way back successfully to the Olympics this year.

She touched on her journey to the Tokyo Olympics and the effect the pandemic had on her. It added a different dimension to her journey, but ultimately made the journey sweeter for her. Phogat has a tough time at the Rio Olympics, and had to bow out owing to a knee injury.

“Casting my mind back 5 years, I wasn’t even sure whether I would be able to get on the mat again. The injury in Rio was easily one of the lowest moments in my career, and even had me questioning whether I would be able to wrestle again.”

Despite her injury, Phogat said that quitting never crossed her mind, and that even though the road would be tough, she put in all efforts to heal her body and wrestle again.

Phogat thanks her several who supported her in the journey to the Tokyo Olympics

Phogat thanked everyone who had supported her during her journey in the heartfelt message she shared. She thanked all her coaches, her family, her physiotherapists and her trainers. She also talked about her husband Somvir, who she married in 2018.

“Woeller Akos’ contribution has also been instrumental in my success and I am glad to have such an illustrious coach in my corner!”

Winning a medal in the 2017 Asian Championships gave her a huge boost of confidence, it was her first victory after her injury. She touched on all the international tournaments she played, including the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the World Championships.

She thanked the Wrestling Federation of India and all the organisations that backed her during her journey, and helped her make a strong comeback. She ultimately thanked all her supporters, who encouraged and helped her to get back on the mat.

She ended the message with an emphatic statement translated, “See you in Tokyo, just keep me in your thoughts. Jai Hind.”

Read the full statement here;

Also read: Tokyo Olympics: Bajrang Punia to Vinesh Phogat, Top Indian Wrestlers who can Win a Medal for India