MAT-AMORPHOSIS

UN IMAGINABLE would be an understatement. Fifteen seconds and destiny took a providential turn. A new chapter will begin in her life.

- INDRANEEL DAS

She was fighting against odds, nay all odds. Those seconds turned wrestler Vinesh Phogat into a world icon, a face of the Paris Games. Thinking of the tumultuous past months she had to endure, the victory seemed preposterously insane.

From being dragged on the streets of Delhi to being assured of an Olympic medal this is magical. And it was her inpenetrable defence throughout the day which took her into the 50kg final. The Champ-de-Mars Arena is within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower. If at all someone would have matched the symbol of that architectural splendour on Tuesday, it would be Vinesh's feat.

Victories are not scripted on the mat or playing field alone.

They are planned in the backroom and in the head. It is not always that all strategies are executed to the T. Most times they fail, especially against tougher opponents. What seems astounding is Vinesh's strong mind. All the while when the world thought it was impossible, she never believed that she could lose.

When Vinesh lifted her hands in jubilation after an improbable victory, her opponent, Japan's Yui Susaki, stood there stunned. Susaki challenged the two points awarded to Vinesh for a takedown but was turned down. One more point to Vinesh.