**Vinesh Phogat** is an Indian wrestler who has gained international recognition for her achievements in freestyle wrestling. She comes from the famous Phogat family, which has produced several top-tier wrestlers, including her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat. Vinesh has been a trailblazer in Indian women's wrestling, winning numerous medals at prestigious international competitions, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Wrestling Championships.
### **About Vinesh Phogat**
- **Born**: August 25, 1994
- **Hometown**: Balali, Haryana, India
- **Discipline**: Freestyle Wrestling
- **Weight Class**: Competes primarily in the 50 kg and 53 kg weight categories.
### **Career Highlights**
- **Commonwealth Games**: Vinesh Phogat has won multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, including in 2014 (Glasgow) and 2018 (Gold Coast). Her victories at these games have cemented her status as one of India's leading wrestlers.
- **Asian Games**: In 2018, she became the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, which took place in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- **World Wrestling Championships**: Vinesh has also secured a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships, showcasing her talent on a global stage.
- **Olympics**: Vinesh represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she was a strong medal contender but unfortunately suffered a severe knee injury during her quarterfinal match, which ended her campaign. She also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
### **Significance and Impact**
- **Role Model**: Vinesh Phogat has become a role model for young athletes, particularly girls, in India. Her success has inspired many to take up wrestling, a sport traditionally dominated by men in the country.
- **Advocacy**: Vinesh has been vocal about issues related to the sport, including the need for better support and infrastructure for wrestlers in India. Her advocacy extends to promoting gender equality in sports.
- **Perseverance**: Vinesh's journey, especially her comeback after the injury at the Rio Olympics, is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has overcome significant challenges to remain at the top of her sport.
### **Awards and Recognition**
- **Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna**: In 2020, Vinesh Phogat was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in wrestling.
- **Arjuna Award**: She received the Arjuna Award in 2016, another prestigious honor in Indian sports.
- **Padma Shri**: In 2020, Vinesh was also conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for her contributions to sports.
### **Personal Life**
- **Family Background**: Vinesh belongs to the famous Phogat family, which has made significant contributions to Indian wrestling. Her father, Rajpal Phogat, passed away when she was young, and she was raised by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, who coached her and her cousins in wrestling.
- **Marriage**: In December 2018, Vinesh married Somvir Rathee, a fellow wrestler and her long-time partner.
### **Challenges and Achievements**
- **Injury and Comeback**: The injury she sustained during the 2016 Olympics was a major setback, but her recovery and subsequent successes have been inspiring. She returned stronger, winning medals in major international competitions, which demonstrated her mental toughness and physical resilience.
- **Tokyo Olympics**: Despite being one of the favorites at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Vinesh was unable to secure a medal. However, her journey to and performance in the Olympics highlighted her as one of India’s top athletes.
### **Legacy**
Vinesh Phogat continues to be an inspiration in Indian sports. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the global wrestling stage has been remarkable. She has broken barriers and set new standards for Indian women in wrestling, and her legacy is sure to inspire future generations of athletes.
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