New Delhi, August 6
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, praised Vinesh Phogat for becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of the Olympic Games. He remarked that true champions respond on the field.
Competing in the 50kg category, Phogat achieved a historic milestone by securing a decisive 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, thus ensuring at least a silver medal for herself.
In a Hindi post on X, Gandhi expressed, “After defeating three top wrestlers of the world in a single day, the entire country shares in Vinesh’s emotions.” He continued, “Those who doubted Vinesh and her friends, questioning their intentions and abilities, have now received their answer.” The former Congress chief emphasized that the oppressive system that once caused her great distress now stands defeated by India’s brave daughter. He added, “This is the identity of champions; they answer on the field.”
Gandhi encouraged Vinesh to strive for the gold medal, stating, “Best wishes, Vinesh. The echo of your success in Paris is being heard clearly in Delhi.”
His post alluded to Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and other wrestlers’ extended protest in Delhi early last year against the alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers by the former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
