(Wrestling News) Vinesh Phogat entered the wrestling mat within the secured practice area adjacent to the primary venue of the Senior National Wrestling Championships at the Railway Stadium in Jaipur. Following a series of stretching routines and warm-up exercises, she engaged in grappling. Just moments before, she had been in the VIP area, exchanging pleasantries, posing for selfies, and group photographs with officials and coaches. Observing the Greco-Roman wrestlers in the qualification rounds, she expressed relief at witnessing a proper national competition in an Olympic year, stating, “This looks like a proper nationals is taking place, doesn’t it? It is a relief to see that wrestlers are back on the mat in an Olympic year.”

Vinesh, feeling a mix of nerves and relief, is making a comeback to competition after nearly a year and a half. The 29-year-old world championship medalist will participate in the 55kg category on Sunday.

Previously a vocal figure in the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced sexual harassment charges, Vinesh spent more time participating in the protests than at training centers. An untimely knee injury further complicated matters and thwarted her plans for the Asian Games. In August, she suffered a left knee injury during training, requiring surgery. Antim Phangal, the reserve wrestler, stepped in and secured a bronze medal at Hangzhou, also earning an Olympic quota in the 53kg category. With the Summer Games approaching, Vinesh’s return is eagerly anticipated.

“There is a bit of nervousness but also joy that I am returning to the mat. It has been a year and a half since I competed on the mat. The whole of last year was hectic because of all the issues related to the wrestling federation. Tomorrow (Sunday), when I am on the mat, those things will seem distant for a short while,” remarked Vinesh on Saturday.

Opting for the non-Olympic 55kg category, she explained that she didn’t want to undergo drastic weight cuts and is gradually finding her rhythm after the extended break. She added, “For more than a year, I have not participated in competitions and then I had surgery. I did not want to cut too much weight. The 55kg was the best option for me at these nationals. After this, I am aware I have to participate in 53 kg for world events.”

The road ahead poses challenges for Vinesh. The Indian Olympic Association-appointed ad-hoc committee’s Olympic selection policy mandates trials for Paris 2024. Vinesh will need to compete in two-stage trials, facing other contenders initially, and if successful, challenging quota-winner Antim, a decade her junior, for a spot in the Paris-bound team.

During the injury rehabilitation phase, Vinesh weighed 60 kg when she couldn’t train. However, upon returning to her feet, she became lighter and fitter, as noted by her husband, former Greco-Roman wrestler Somvir Rathee.

The Asian Games setback was significant for Vinesh. “She is mentally and physically ready for the nationals. However, the rehabilitation phase was not easy. An injury is tough for a sportsperson, and on top of this, she also had to worry about the issues related to the wrestling federation,” said Rathee. Vinesh, along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, played prominent roles in the protest. In December, she returned her Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards in protest, and the fight against injustice continues.

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