Vinesh Phogat is one of the most celebrated Indian wrestlers in recent times. Vinesh Phogat, who celebrates her birthday today, was recently announced as an award recipient of the Khel Ratna. As she turns 26, let us take a look at her humble beginnings to how she achieved glory in her wrestling career as well as a peek into her life beyond the mat. (Pics/ Vinesh Phogat's Instagram)
Updated On: 2018-12-20 02:36 PM IST
Vinesh Phogat, born August 24, 1994, is a professional wrestler and comes from a prestigious wrestling family
Besides Vinesh, her sisters Geeta, Babita, Priyanka, Ritu and Sangeeta are the other famous Phogat girls who have made an impression in the wrestling world
Vinesh Phogat's uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat played a huge role in grooming her as a wrestler. She is the daughter of Mahavir's younger brother Rajpal. Geeta and Babita are her cousins.
Vinesh Phogat's family (her uncle and father) faced major issues in their hometown in Haryana as they wanted their girls to pursue wrestling
In picture: Vinesh Phogat with her sister Babita Kumari and Olympic bronze medal-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik
In 2013, Vinesh Phogat won the bronze medal in the women's freestyle 52 kg category at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships
In 2013, Vinesh Phogat came in second to win the silver medal in the women's freestyle 51 kg category at the 2013 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships
In 2016, the Phogat family garnered major media attention after the movie 'Dangal' was released. The movie depicted how former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan), coached his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers
In 2014, Vinesh created a historic moment in her career. She represented the country in the women's freestyle 48 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She went on to win the gold medal.
In 2018, Vinesh Phogat created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Asian Games. 'I was in immense pain back then and while some people consoled me, I also heard many negative whispers from people, who felt that I was no good and that my career was over. Instead, I worked even harder on my strengthening and here I am,' Vinesh Phogat said after winning the gold at Asian Games 2018.
Vinesh Phogat shared this picture with her family during one of her birthdays and captioned it, 'Thank you everyone for making me feel special with your warm and beautiful birthday wishes. I am really touched and humbled with all the blessings showered on us. This birthday will always be a memorable one'
After winning gold at Asian Games 2018, Vinesh Phogat revealed what her idol Sushil Kumar had told her after Rio Olympics 2016, 'After I quit my bout in Rio, he told me that I should not lose heart because if God has taken something away from me, he would have kept something better lined up, and here it is. This competition is not less than the Olympics for me.'
After winning the gold medal at Asian Games 2018, Vinesh Phogat, who also has a bronze from the last Asian Games in Incheon revealed, 'I said to myself before going into today's final that enough of these bronze and silver medals, it's high time I got a gold medal now. I'm glad to have lived up to my own expectations.'
In picture: Vinesh Phogat and Babita Kumari.
Vinesh Phogat took a straight-up 4-0 lead in the first round of the Asian Games 2018 final with two strong twists of her opponent. In the second round, her opponent Yuki did try to fight back and registered two points with a powerful tug but the Indian held on and returned the favour to clinch two more points and seal India's second gold medal at Asian Games 2018
In picture: Vinesh Phogat in traditional attire.
In 2018, Vinesh Phogat also bagged a gold medal at the Gold Coast CommonWealth Games
In pic: Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik in selfie mode
In picture: Vinesh Phogat and her husband Somvir Rathee during their reception
On September 18, 2019, Vinesh Phogat secured a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and became the first wrestler to secure an Olympics berth.
Vinesh Phogat and her husband Somvir Rathee during an event. She captioned thie pic: Incredible experience at the @laureussport awards last night! Privileged to have spent some wonderful hours in the company of some of the biggest legends of global sport. Humbled and grateful to have received this fantastic opportunity to represent at this respected international platform! #laureus19
Vinesh Phogat shared this picture with her husband and captioned it, 'The best decision I ever made! Glad you pinned me for life'
Prior to the Asian Wrestling Championship in 2019, Vinesh Phogat shared this picture and captioned it, 'Off to Xi'an for the #AsianWrestlingChampionship! Excited and eager to put up a strong performance'
Vinesh Phogat shared this picture with friends from one of her holidays and captioned it, 'Finishing a week of training in Bulgaria with a hike!!'
In December 2018, after knowing each other for 7 years, Vinesh Phogat married long-time partner and fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee
Vinesh Phogat with actress Sanya Malhotra, who played Babita Kumari in the Bollywood superhit 'Dangal'
Vinesh Phogat: I had targeted gold. I had 3-4 silvers at the Asia level. So I was determined to win a gold today. My body responded well. I had trained well and God was also kind to me. Everything fell in place for me today,' said Vinesh with moist eyes after winning gold in the 50kg freestyle category at the Asian Games 2018
Vinesh Phogat sports cool yellow sunglasses. Speaking of her Asian Games 2018 final opponent Yuki Irie, Vinesh Phogat said, 'There was pressure but it was to prove that I am actually stronger than her. I wanted to prove this today because I lost thrice to her before. And I have done this today.' The 23-year old from Haryana is considered one of the most mentally strong wrestlers in India and she says it comes naturally to her
Vinesh Phogat is a huge fitness enthusiast. Vinesh Phogat has suffered from injuries in her career, speaking on which she said, 'Injuries are part of an athlete's career. It is difficult both emotionally and physically. But I shrugged off everything to deliver some good medals recently. Someone has said an athlete becomes strong after injury and I feel I indeed have become stronger than before.'
Vinesh Phogat with Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt during his wedding. Vinesh Phogat said interactions with Sushil Kumar leaves a positive impact on her. 'I listen to Sushil ji a lot. Whatever he suggests I take note. In 2014 when I won bronze in Incheon he said, 'don't worry, whatever happens, happens for good. May be you have something bigger in store'. I always remember this message from him.'
Vinesh Phogat is quite fond of Indian-styled clothing
Phogat captioned this picture, 'Not the best possible start in this new weight category but good to be back on the mat! Enjoyed wrestling at #DanKolov2019, and picked up a lot of important learnings. All in all, not a bad way to begin preparations for what will be a BIG year'
Vinesh Phogat shared this picture with sister Geeta Phogat and captioned it, 'Practice polishes our work! Skillfull. Swift. Steady'
After she was announced as a Khel Ratna awardee in August 2020, Vinesh Phogat took to Instagram to share this heartfelt post: Humbled, privileged, and incredibly honoured to be a Khel Ratna awardee! This prestigious recognition brings with it a lot of responsibility and also a deep sense of happiness. I would like to thank everyone who over the years has supported, encouraged, and motivated me in my journey as a wrestler. With the grace of god and all your good wishes, I hope to keep making our country proud on the international stage in the years to come! Thank you. Jai Hind