Vinesh Phogat Bids Adieu to Wrestling Career Post-Olympic Shock
In a shocking turn of events, celebrated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday, following a devastating disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The announcement came through a poignant message shared on her social media accounts.
Phogat’s Olympic dreams were shattered when she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the pre-match weigh-in for her gold medal bout. This technicality not only cost her a chance at Olympic glory but also seems to have broken her fighting spirit.
In her emotional farewell post, Phogat wrote, “Mother, wrestling has conquered me, and I’ve fallen short. Forgive me, but your dream and my determination have both crumbled. I have no strength left to continue.” She concluded with a simple yet powerful, “Farewell, wrestling (2001-2024).”
The 29-year-old grappler had made history just days earlier by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to secure a place in a gold medal match in her weight category. Her disqualification came as a shock to fans and officials alike, as she was guaranteed at least a silver medal before the weigh-in incident.
Following her disqualification, Phogat attempted to appeal the decision, requesting to be awarded a joint silver medal. However, international wrestling regulations are strict: any athlete failing to make weight is automatically relegated to the bottom of the final standings, regardless of their tournament performance.
The gold medal match proceeded without Phogat, with Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez – whom Phogat had defeated in the semifinals – taking her place. Lopez ultimately lost to Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States in the final bout.
The incident sparked heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with some lawmakers expressing outrage over the situation. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also expressed her dismay at Phogat’s disqualification.
Phogat’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming one of India’s most prominent wrestlers had inspired many young athletes across the country.
