Rahul Gandhi hails Vinesh Phogat, says real champions respond on field

Phogat (50kg) became the first Indian wrestler to reach the Olympics final with a convincing 5-0 win over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez here on Tuesday. With the victory in the semi-final, Vinesh guaranteed himself at least a silver medal.

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, “After defeating three top fighters of the world in a single day, the whole country is emotional along with Vinesh.”

“Those who refused to acknowledge the struggle of Vinesh and her friends, even raised questions about their intentions and abilities, all got a response,” said the former Congress chief.

“Today, the entire system of power that made her shed tears of blood has been shattered in front of the brave daughter of India,” Gandhi said, adding that this is the identity of champions, they give their answer on the field.

The Congress leader urged her to go for the gold medal and said, “Best wishes Vinesh. The echo of your success in Paris is clearly heard in Delhi”.

His post made an apparent reference to the long protest by wrestlers in Delhi early last year against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a post on her WhatsApp channel said that Vinesh Phogat has created history.

“She reached the final by winning three important matches in one day. My sister, we are all eagerly waiting for the medal. Every move on the court excites us all. The prayers of many Indians are with you. Jai Hind Keep fighting! her PTI said