Vinesh Phogat is the ultimate ‘zidd’ of Indian sport
A lot has already been written, spoken and discussed about Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India saga. Every layer has already been examined in great detail by journalists, experts and on social media. What’s brewing within the WFI or what preparations Vinesh is quietly undergoing for her big return on May 30 is something no one truly knows. But one thing is clear: the pressure to perform now will be far greater than what she experienced at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While everyone is discussing the chronology of events, very few have touched upon what it means for a woman to return to the elite level while still in her late postpartum. Here’s how I, as a mother, a journalist, and, most importantly, an athlete, look at the entire episode through these three lenses. As a mother, the physical and emotional toll that Vinesh has already undergone is commendable. According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), Vinesh was eligible to compete from January 1, 2026, barely six months after the birth of her …
