"Champions Give Their Answer From The Field": Rahul Gandhi On Vinesh Phogat's Win

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made history on Tuesday by defeating Cuba’s Lopez Guzman in the Women’s Freestyle 50kg semi-finals at Paris 2024, securing her place in the Olympic final. This remarkable achievement makes Vinesh the first-ever Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, where she will compete for India’s first gold in women’s wrestling.

Vinesh’s victory comes after a year of intense struggles both on and off the mat.

Earlier this year, Vinesh Phogat was at the forefront of a high-profile protest in Delhi, leading a group of women wrestlers in a fight against sexual harassment and systemic abuse within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The protest, aimed at BJP MP and WFI head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, brought national attention to the issues plaguing Indian wrestling, with Vinesh and her fellow athletes enduring significant challenges, including threats and police action.

Reacting to Vinesh’s victory, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, praised her resilience and determination. In a statement, Gandhi noted that Vinesh’s triumph serves as a powerful response to those who doubted her struggle and questioned her abilities. He emphasized that “all those who denied the struggle of Vinesh and her teammates, and even questioned their intentions and abilities, have got their answer.”

Gandhi further commended Vinesh for her ability to rise above the adversity she faced, stating, “The entire power system that had made India’s brave daughter shed tears of blood collapsed in front of her.” He highlighted that true champions like Vinesh answer their critics not with words, but with their performance on the field