Manika Batra’s message on Vinesh Phogat’s first social media post: ‘You’ve shown us what it means to chase dreams with passion’

Vinesh Phogat posted a photograph of herself on her Instagram handle, her first public reaction of sorts after she was heartbreakingly disqualified from competing in the gold medal bout of the 50kg women’s weight class at the Paris Olympics earlier this month for missing the weight limit by 100 grams.

Vinesh Phogat had subsequently appealed the decision of the United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Vinesh Phogat had also announced her retirement from wrestling in an early morning social media post, where she wrote: “Mom, forgive me. Wrestling beat me, I’ve lost. Your dreams and my courage are broken. I don’t have strength anymore to fight.”

The CAS’s ad hoc Division on Wednesday evening finally dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to be awarded a joint silver medal with a single line judgement: “The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed.”

The verdict signed by Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett meant that India will end the Paris Olympics with six medals, five of them bronze with Neeraj Chopra the sole silver medallist.

Almost 24 hours after the verdict, Vinesh Phogat posted the photograph of herself on the wrestling mat with her hands covering her eyes. There was no caption on the photograph.

Manika Batra posted a heartwarming message to the post by Vinesh Phogat.

“You’re an inspiration to us all, sister. You deserve every applause and more – truly a gem of India. Your unwavering dedication and strength lit the way for so many. You’ve shown us what it means to chase dreams with passion and grace. India is proud to call you its own, and we’re blessed to witness your journey. Keep shining, keep inspiring,” wrote Manika Batra.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia also replied to the post saying: “May a daughter like you be born in every house. You’re the honour of the country, Vinesh.”

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