Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport, just a day after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.
Devastated by her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s top wrestler Vinesh Phogat has decided to retire from wrestling. The athlete, who was on the verge of winning gold in the women’s 50kg freestyle event, was disqualified after exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams during her Wednesday morning weigh-in. Despite lodging a protest with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge the ruling, Vinesh took to social media to announce her retirement, expressing that wrestling had defeated her in her final match, leaving her courage shattered. She has been competing professionally since 2001, marking 2024 as the end of her wrestling career.
“Wrestling defeated me in the final bout… I’ve lost, my courage is broken, and I have no strength left. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be grateful to you.”
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
The 29-year-old’s disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games has left a nation of over a billion in sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to social media to express his support and encouragement for Vinesh. Many in the sports community rallied around her, urging her to focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Games in pursuit of her Olympic gold dream. However, Vinesh believes she has fought her last battle and no longer has the strength to continue.
Phogat was disqualified after being found 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in. She approached CAS, requesting to be awarded a joint silver medal.
A temporary division of CAS has been established to handle disputes arising during the Olympic Games, including those from the 10 days leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
Her case will be heard on Thursday morning.
Phogat was originally scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal, but despite a week of starving herself and spending hours in the sauna to make weight, she fell short by 100 grams.
Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman Lopez replaced Phogat in the final, where Hildebrandt secured a 3-0 victory to claim the gold.
Vinesh is now relying on CAS to be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez.
