Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat who faced disqualification from the 50-kg final match at the Paris Olympics, was honored with a gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat on Sunday in Haryana.
Addressing the gathering, Phogat asserted, "My fight has just begun. The battle for our daughters' honor is still on, as we emphasized during our sit-in."
Phogat had played a crucial role in the protest led by wrestlers, predominantly from Haryana, against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment last year.
Reflecting on her disqualification, Phogat said, "When I couldn't compete in Paris, I felt extremely unfortunate. But after returning to India and witnessing the overwhelming love and support here, I now consider myself truly fortunate."
The gold medal, awarded by her community, carries profound significance for Phogat, who hails from Balali in Haryana.
"This honor transcends any medal. It will also serve as an inspiration for other women athletes, reassuring them that their communities stand with them even in difficult times," she remarked, expressing her deep gratitude for the recognition.
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