Last week, Balali village in India welcomed wrestler Vinesh Phogat back from Paris with great fanfare. Among the crowd was 16-year-old Neha Sangwan, who had stayed up late to prepare a special garland made of currency notes for Vinesh, a symbol of her admiration and respect. Vinesh, despite missing out on an Olympic medal due to a weigh-in mishap, expressed her hope to see more women wrestlers from their village rise to fame and carry forward her legacy. Little did she know, her wish would come true sooner than expected.

Neha's Moment of Triumph

Just a week after Vinesh’s heartfelt speech, Neha Sangwan made her mark on the international stage. Competing in the Under-17 World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan, Neha dominated the 57 kg category, securing a resounding 10-0 victory over Japan’s So Tsutsui. Her triumph was not just a personal achievement but a proud moment for her entire village and an inspiration for young women across India. "This title is for Vinesh didi and all the women wrestlers," Neha shared with The Indian Express after her win. "Vinesh didi has always been an inspiration to us, and I hope this victory will inspire many more women wrestlers in Balali and across India."

A Village's Pride and Joy

Neha's father, Amit Kumar Sangwan, could hardly contain his pride as he reflected on recent events. He shared that just last week, Neha had prepared a garland for Vinesh's welcome and recalled how, on stage, Vinesh had encouraged girls like Neha to chase their dreams. To witness Neha win her first world title just days later was incredible, and he described it as a special moment for everyone in Balali. Amit, a former village head, had enrolled Neha in an academy run by coach Mahavir Phogat in a nearby village. Her early years saw her winning junior national medals and becoming a Haryana state champion, but it was under the guidance of coach Sajan Singh Mandola at the Krishan akhada that Neha truly flourished.

Coach Mandola recognized Neha’s aggressive style but also saw a weakness in her defense. He worked meticulously to enhance her agility and defensive skills, training her to use her speed to counter opponents. “She had the instinct to attack, but her weak defense was a setback. We focused on building her stamina and quickening her reflexes,” said Mandola. Over time, Neha learned to leverage her quick movements to her advantage, improving her technique and strategy on the mat.

Inspired by Vinesh Phogat

Neha's admiration for Vinesh Phogat runs deep. At the recent felicitation ceremony, Neha expressed her deep respect for Vinesh, saying, “Vinesh didi has achieved what no other wrestler from our village has. For us, she’s synonymous with the Olympics. She told us to dream big, to dream of the Olympics, and that’s what keeps us going.” Inspired by Vinesh’s journey, Neha set her sights on the global stage and worked tirelessly to make her dreams a reality.

A Rising Star

Neha’s journey to the world title has been marked by steady progress. Two years ago, she won the Asian Under-15 title in the 54 kg category, followed by a bronze medal at the World Cadet Wrestling Championships in Turkey in the 57 kg category. This year, she clinched the title at the Asian U-17 Wrestling Championship in Jordan in June, before her world title win. Her semifinal victory against Kazakhstan’s Anna Stratan, a 10-6 win, showcased her growing prowess and determination.

Neha's achievements have brought immense pride to her family. Her grandfather, a former national-level wrestler, has been a constant source of support and encouragement. “He’s always believed in Neha’s dream of becoming a wrestler,” said her mother, Mujni Devi. Neha’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to her family’s wrestling legacy and a symbol of hope for the future generations of wrestlers in her village.

Three other Indian wrestlers—Aditi Kumari (43 kg), Pulkit (65 kg), and Mansi Lather (73 kg)—also won titles in their respective categories at the Under-17 World Championships. Indian team coach Shilpi Sheoran praised the young wrestlers for their impressive performances against strong competitors from wrestling powerhouses like Japan, Kazakhstan, the USA, and China. “These early wins at the world level are crucial. They help build confidence and set the stage for future success,” said Sheoran.