Nakuul Mehta’s Emotional Tribute to Vinesh Phogat: 'You Are Our True Gold'

At the Paris Olympics 2024, Haryana's celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced an unexpected and heart-wrenching disqualification after exceeding the weight limit by a mere 100 grams. This setback, occurring just before the gold medal match, has left the nation in a state of deep sorrow. However, despite the disappointment, the entire country continues to rally behind the Indian wrestler, offering unwavering support in this difficult time.

The emotional weight of the situation grew heavier when Vinesh Phogat, a symbol of resilience and determination, announced her retirement on the morning of August 8. Her farewell post, filled with poignant reflections, has resonated deeply across the nation, striking a chord with all who have followed her journey.

Nakuul Mehta's Tribute to Vinesh Phogat

Fighter. Olympian. Champion. A poem dedicated to one of our all time greatest. The one and only Vinesh Phogat. @Phogat_Vinesh “ख़ूब लड़ी मर्दानी”लेखन: @ajaxsingh pic.twitter.com/dAgUQSAbDR

— Nakuul Mehta (@NakuulMehta) August 9, 2024

Amidst the outpouring of support, actor Nakuul Mehta, best known for his role in "Ishqbaaz," shared a moving tribute to Vinesh Phogat, capturing the essence of her spirit and the profound impact she has had on the country. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Nakuul expressed his admiration for Vinesh, stating, "If we hadn’t witnessed your journey, from the protests at Jantar Mantar to the wrestling mats in Paris, we might never have understood how hollow these gold and silver medals really are. The true brilliance lies not in them, but in your unwavering spirit."

His words underscored the reality that while medals are often seen as the ultimate achievement, the true victory lies in the resilience, courage, and principles that Vinesh has consistently displayed. Nakuul further elaborated, "What words can do justice to your wrestling prowess? Its fire was in your eyes, and the girl from the village who fell on the mat could tell it all. Those film clichés that glorify winning silver or gold are meaningless. You are an inspiration without needing either. You’ve shown us that dreams are never greater than principles."

In this heartfelt homage, Nakuul Mehta touched upon the essence of Vinesh's journey, one that transcends the mere accumulation of accolades. He conveyed that her story is one of enduring significance, inspiring countless others to prioritise integrity and strength over material triumphs.

"You’ve Secured a Place in Our Hearts"

Nakuul’s tribute continued with an even more powerful message, reflecting on the broader implications of Vinesh Phogat's experience. "We’ve all witnessed your courage and determination. We’ve seen those who tried to pull you down, but you are no ordinary bird; you are one that will soar, fall, and rise again. Each time, you will meet the sun’s gaze and demand justice. Today, I won’t call you a sister or daughter, Vinesh... A nation that cannot deliver justice has no right to call anyone its sister or daughter. But I will say this: the place you’ve secured in our hearts is higher than anything in the world. Stay strong, champion."

These words resonate deeply, reflecting the profound respect and admiration that Vinesh has earned through her actions both on and off the mat. Nakuul’s message is not just a tribute to her athletic achievements, but also a recognition of her role as a beacon of strength and justice.

"You Are Our True Gold"

माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024

Nakuul Mehta concluded his tribute with a powerful affirmation of Vinesh Phogat's legacy: "Defeats and victories will come and go, but you are our true gold. Even if your name isn’t etched on the Olympic roster, future generations will remember how fiercely you fought." His words capture the enduring nature of Vinesh's influence, suggesting that her impact will be felt long after the medals have faded from memory.

- PTC PUNJABI