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In a surprising turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement on Thursday, a day after being disqualified from the wrestling final at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Vinesh was disqualified from the Gold medal match of the 50 kg Women’s Wrestling category for being overweight by 100 grams.
Vinesh Phogat Retires After Olympic Disqualification
Announcing her retirement, Vinesh posted a heartfelt message on X in Hindi: “Ma Kusti (Wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage are shattered. I don’t have any more strength now.” She added, “Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024.”
Vinesh Phogat had impressively won her semi-final bout by a margin of 5-0 against her opponent, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympics final. However, her disqualification from the final match for being just 100 grams overweight has led to an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where she has asked to be awarded the Silver medal for the event.
The 29-year-old wrestler from Haryana has had an illustrious career, representing India in three different Olympic Games. She competed in the 48 kg Women’s Wrestling category at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 53 kg Women’s Wrestling category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 50 kg Women’s Wrestling category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat ‘s achievements include winning three Gold medals in the Commonwealth Games across three different weight categories in 2014, 2018, and 2022. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win Gold medals at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in the same year (2018). Additionally, she secured two bronze medals at the World Wrestling Championships in 2019 and 2022.
As she bids farewell to wrestling, Vinesh Phogat leaves behind a legacy of determination, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements in Indian sports.
