Vinesh Phogat
, one of the finest wrestlers in India, entered her maiden Olympic semifinals in Paris. The 29-year-old Vinesh stunned defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan and higher-ranked Ukrainian Oksana Livach to cruise to the women’s 50 kg semi finals on Tuesday.
As per the latest update, Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Olympics for being found overweight ahead of her women’s 50kg final here.
Vinesh’s victory has garnered appreciation nationwide. “Vinesh Phogat is the lioness of India who won back to back matches today. Defeated 4-time World Champion and defending Olympic champion. After that he defeated the former World Champion in the quarterfinals,” Bajrang Punia wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
From taking a stand, and remaining undeterred in the Brij Bhushan Singh controversy to bringing laurels to the country in several games, Vinesh Phogat is a name to reckon with valor and determination.
Here are a few things kids should learn from the 29 year old wrestler:
Determination and hard work
From a young age, Vinesh Phogat demonstrated an extraordinary level of determination and hard work. She trained relentlessly, often against societal expectations and traditional norms. Her success in wrestling is a direct result of her unwavering commitment to her goals. Kids can learn that no dream is too big if they are willing to put in the effort and stay focused on their objectives.
Resilience in the face of adversity
Vinesh’s career has not been without setbacks. A severe knee injury during the 2016 Rio Olympics could have ended her career, but she fought back with immense courage and determination. This resilience teaches kids that setbacks are a part of life, and what matters is how one responds to them. Overcoming challenges and bouncing back stronger is a crucial lesson in resilience.
Breaking stereotypes
Coming from a region where girls were traditionally not encouraged to pursue sports, Vinesh broke numerous stereotypes and societal norms. Her journey teaches kids the importance of challenging and overcoming societal barriers to pursue their passions. It’s a reminder that one can achieve greatness irrespective of gender, background, or societal expectations.
Importance of family support
Vinesh’s success story is also one of strong family support. Her family, especially her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat, played a crucial role in her training and development as a wrestler. This teaches kids the value of having a strong support system and the importance of supporting their loved ones in their endeavors.
Discipline and time management
Vinesh’s rigorous training schedule required immense discipline and effective time management. Balancing training, competitions, and personal life is no small feat. Kids can learn the importance of being disciplined in their daily routines and managing their time efficiently to achieve their goals.
Courage to dream big
Vinesh dared to dream big and pursued her dreams with unwavering courage. Despite coming from a small village with limited resources, she set her sights on international glory. This teaches kids the power of dreaming big and having the courage to chase those dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Handling success with humility
Despite her numerous achievements and accolades, Vinesh remains humble and grounded. She attributes her success to her family, coaches, and the wrestling community. This humility teaches kids the importance of staying grounded and appreciating the contributions of others in their success.
Advocating for equality
Vinesh has been an advocate for gender equality in sports. She has spoken about the challenges female athletes face and has worked towards creating more opportunities for women in sports. This advocacy teaches kids the importance of standing up for equality and working towards creating a fair and just society.
Focus on physical and mental health
Vinesh’s journey underscores the importance of physical and mental health. Her training regimen includes not only physical exercises but also mental conditioning to handle the pressures of competition. Kids can learn the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind to achieve overall well-being and success in their endeavors.
Passion and love for the sport
Vinesh’s love for wrestling is evident in everything she does. Her passion for the sport drives her to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. This passion teaches kids the importance of finding and pursuing what they love, as it is this passion that will fuel their journey and bring fulfillment.