In the known records of sports history, few moments are as devastating as a disqualification in the Olympic finals—a crushing blow that can shatter dreams in an instant. Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat recently faced such a fate, her hopes for a medal dashed by a disqualification that has left many in disbelief. In the aftermath, Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking the silver medal she was so close to securing, if not the Gold medal she could have actually won. But in doing so, she risks something far more valuable than any piece of hardware: her legacy as a role model and playing by the book.

The Olympics have always been more than a contest of athleticism; they are a stage where the ideals of fair play, honour, and sportsmanship take center stage. The Olympics remain a pinnacle of global sporting events because they symbolise more than just athletic competition; they embody the universal ideals of unity, excellence, and perseverance. As the world’s largest and most diverse sporting gathering, the Games bring together athletes from every corner of the globe, showcasing not only their physical prowess but also their cultural backgrounds and personal stories.

It is in these moments of trial that true champions emerge—not just those who triumph over their opponents, but those who honour the spirit of the Games, even when the rules seem harsh or unfair. Phogat, who has inspired millions with her grit and determination, has fought enough obstacles to get to this global stage, be it domestic sporting politics to injury and surgery. She has tackled larger themes such as fighting against poor toxic leadership and advocating for better conditions in Indian wrestling, reflecting her commitment to the sport's integrity and progress. What makes her a true role model is not only her athletic accomplishments but also her courage to confront challenges, despite not much support from the influentials and the elites.

Her current legal battle to dispute the Olympic disqualification by arguing that the weight rule breach was only by 100 grams is at odds with ethos of the Olympics. The same set of rules apply to every participant in that sport, and they have the same physiological challenges. Thus, it is disheartening to see this legal contest, which undermines these very values. The sports administrators and support team that has gone with the Indian sportspersons did not even act quickly to file any petition with CAS for seeking to delay her final match, when they could have cited the fact that she had fought three bouts in a single day, all successfully. Of course this legal battle is fought by her in her personal capacity, and it is not the Indian delegation that has challenged the Olympic decision.