It was a heartbreaking sight at the Rio Olympics for Indians as wrestler Vinesh Phogat lay on the floor crying in pain and unable to stand half-way into the first period of her 48kg quarterfinal fight against China’s Sun Yanan.
After being stretchered off, an MRI scan revealed that she has suffered a ligament tear and would take at least a week to recover, India’s chef de mission Rakesh Gupta said.
“She does not have a bone injury. Only ligament tear in right knee. She has to take support. But there’s no dislocation. Hopefully she will recover in one week,” Gupta said. “But she will take about two-three days’ to walk properly. She will take the help of a support.”
This unexpected turn of events came as huge blow to the 21-year-old, who was touted as a medal prospect for India.
Phogat took to Twitter to express her agony :
If I tel u that I m ok it wud b lying to myself n all of u. Right nw I m hurt; both physically and mentally. I ll recover soon. Thank u all🙏
— Vinesh Phogat (@phogat_vinesh) August 17, 2016
Support poured in from all quarters, with people telling her to get well soon and commending her performance at the Rio Olympics.
Vinesh – You are our daughter. @indiainbrazil is your family. Ask for anything you require. https://t.co/I3Y4axejq6
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 18, 2016
Fokat me haar gayin Phogat #VineshPhogat .But Karodon Dil Jeet liye.
She is truly a champion,fought like a tigress’,we should be very proud— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 17, 2016
And pray for #VineshPhogat: the line between triumph and tragedy is thin. Celebrate athletes not just medals friends.salute them all!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 18, 2016
Ur a champ #VineshPhogat. You won all our hearts. Get well and strong soon!! The body achieves what the mind conceives #Rio2016 #proudindian
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 18, 2016
Certain that you’ll fight the good fight Vinesh.
And soon!To a speedy recovery and return 💪🏽🇮🇳💪🏽 https://t.co/h8azEhfhcU— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) August 18, 2016
@phogat_vinesh you were absolutely superb today and would have easily won a bronze if not more watched you and can say your an inspiration
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh You are a fighter. You gonna fight back like a wounded lion. #Rio2016 nahi toh #Tokyo2020 !
— Keshava (@Kumar_Ke5hav) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh koi nahi champion we are always with you in good time & also in bad time
— Sunil (@Sunilkath) August 17, 2016
@phogat_vinesh Get well soon, Champions makes great comeback.
— Hemant Rautela (@hemantrautela) August 18, 2016
(Feature image source: Twitter)