Vinesh brings cheer to crushed Phogat family

Sat Singh

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

BHIWANI, MAY 8

The qualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat for the Rio Olympics has brought cheer to her native village, Balali in Bhiwani district. It has helped the Phogat family get over the disappointment of Geeta and Babita Phogat, Vinesh's cousins, not making the cut as the two sisters were banned from participating in the qualifier for forfeiting their bouts in a previous competition.

Mahabir Phogat, the father of Geeta and Babita and their coach as well, said the focus now would be to keep a check on Vinesh's weight — she had been disqualified for being overweight in the first qualifier — and prepare her for the Games. “The family is disappointed with Geeta and Babita missing out but we want to make up for that by helping Vinesh win a gold medal in the Olympics,” said Mahabir, who runs an akhara for the girls in the village.

Disappointed at not going to the Olympics, the banned Phogat sisters said their younger sister was capable of winning a medal and creating history at the Olympics. “Now, the whole attention of the Phogat family would be on Vinesh. We will assist her in achieving her dream,” said Daya Kaur, the mother of Geeta and Babita.