New Delhi: After a spectacular campaign in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022, Indian wrestlers were seen struggling in the World Championships. Many star athletes failed to grab medal in the tournament and social media users slammed them with their negative critics.
We are athletes not robots – Vinesh Phogats
In an effort to voice out against the “so called fans and experts, Vinesh Phogat wrote, “we are athletes not robots.”
Athletes are humans and while being an athlete is a huge part of who we are, it doesn’t mean we work like robots every time a tournament is announced. Not sure if this culture is in every country or this is just India where we have so many experts sitting at home,” Vinesh wrote in her post.
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“Every individual, professional or not, has chased hardships, struggles and challenges through their journey.
“Difference is the world does not comment and criticise them, thinking they are experts on those professionals and their careers. But we have many who consider themselves as experts on sports who think they know the efforts, the hardships and what goes into training an athlete.” Vinesh wrote in the long statement.
“Why are we as athletes answerable to them about every detail when all athletes get back is comments on how they should train, what they should do instead of support and encouragement when times are tough.
“It is very discouraging when people assume they can comment on when athletes should stop or end their career, when they should play and not play.
I hope everyone will be more responsible about their words.. Focus on what your athletes are doing well! People need to have a better perspective and stop the constant criticism in Indian sports. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/C7CWCgODCH
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) September 18, 2022
A loss doesn’t mean we didn’t try – Phogat
“A win always does not mean that an athlete has done anything extra extraordinary and a loss does not mean that the athlete has not tried during that game. Winning and losing is a part of every athlete’s journey and the athletes try hard each time.” She also said the critics have no idea about the efforts and resources that go into the preparations of an athlete.
“It is very easy to comment on these things because for them it’s just one day of their life after watching a match, what they don’t realise is these things can seriously drag along and affect the athletes state, their mood especially in difficult times.
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“Things are great with social media now connecting all fans and supporters but times were simpler when social media was not involved to spread these comments and negative criticism.” Vinesh asked fellow Indian athletes to keep dreaming and working hard and hoped that unnecessary criticism ends.
“Here’s to all my fellow athletes who have the courage to repeatedly put themselves through a difficult journey and show compassion towards their dream without fearing people,” she wrote.
“My dear athletes, we are all on the same page and have similar journeys. Hopefully, someday we will try to change this culture with our consistent efforts, courage and dedication.”
