Commonwealth Games 2022

'I have managed to cross a big mental barrier'- Vinesh Phogat shares insights into her turnaround

Ace India wrestler and CWG 2022 gold medalist Vinesh Phogat reveals after she failed to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics

Rennie

14 Aug 2022 14:22 IST

New Update

Ace India wrestler and CWG 2022 gold medalist Vinesh Phogat revealed that she wanted to say goodbye to the sport after she failed to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Back in 2016, her hopes were shattered after she got injured during her last eight bout, despite entering the competition as World No.1.

“Definitely, you can say that I have managed to cross a big mental barrier. I almost gave up wrestling because in two Olympics I couldn’t win a medal. The Olympics is the biggest stage for an athlete. But my family always backed me, they always trust in my abilities," the star wrestler told PTI.

“When I was low, I met Modi ji (Narendra Modi) and he gave me motivation. He said ‘we trust you and you can do it. That reignited the spark in me."

Phogat also got immense support from her family, friends and fans. She has got everyone behind her while saying that the backing after loss really matters and that got her going.

“Since childhood I like sports. I always play from my heart, I don’t have any pressure from anyone… I feel happy when I win. I always have the passion to win. My family is always supportive of what I am doing," she said.

"After you win everybody is behind you, but when you get the support after losing it matters a lot, and I have got that from my family, fans and well-wishers after Tokyo," she further said.

“But the hard work I have put in the last one year, the way I have managed myself, I wanted to prove myself… The support which I got from all quarters was also at the back of the mind, I can’t disappoint myself. Some people whom I have never met, never knew them, they supported me, backed me, I just thought I have to rise again for them," Vinesh said.

Commonwealth Games 2022