Nakuul Mehta’s reflection on the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics 2024 reveals a deep connection between her struggle and the broader societal issues India faces. He sees Vinesh as an emblem of resilience and determination, especially considering the challenges she overcame in the last year, including the sexual harassment allegations faced by female wrestlers against MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023.
Mehta draws a parallel between the public’s delayed response to these allegations and the recent horrific incident in Kolkata, where a medical trainee was raped and murdered. He criticizes the tendency to react only when something catastrophic occurs, rather than standing up at the first sign of injustice. This, he suggests, is a symptom of a society that needs to be more proactive in addressing such deep-rooted issues.
Despite the heartbreaking disqualification, Nakuul celebrates Vinesh’s achievements as remarkable, especially her victory over a Japanese wrestler who had never been beaten before. He emphasizes that, had she not been disqualified, Vinesh was on the brink of making history by possibly winning gold, which would have been a defining moment in Indian sports history.
Nakuul’s tribute to Vinesh, a poem he recorded in Ladakh, went viral, resonating with many who saw in her story a source of inspiration. He feels that Vinesh deserves to be celebrated just as much as other athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker, highlighting her journey as one of rising from the ashes.
Addressing the broader societal issues, Nakuul calls on men to take responsibility for changing the culture at a grassroots level. He stresses that the fight for safety and respect for women cannot solely be the burden of women but requires active participation from men. His appeal is for sustained action, not just momentary outrage, to create a safer and more equitable society for all.
